As Christmas approaches I cannot help but think of all the exercise I will have to do come January to escape looking like a male orang-utan, in particular a dominant male orang-utan with cheek pouches and an extra-large belly. My belly currently serves as an insulator; with the dropping temperatures and rising energy bills I am able to shield my internal organs from the harsh weather conditions with a thick layer of adipose tissue.

However, I do look after myself by a regular activity known as laughter.

I know that’s it’s an old saying that laughter is the best medicine but it is! Did you know that having a good laugh is beneficial is a number of ways: n Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

n Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, improving your resistance to disease.

n Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

n Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and from other cardiovascular problems.

So, by all means go to the gym but you could be a happy, healthy person by coming to Humour Tumour. We’ve got Olaf Falafel. Olaf recently won the prestigious Golden Jester competition. The self-proclaimed ‘eighth funniest Swedish comedian’ will be supported by acts who have headlined up and down the UK.

We have Masai Graham with his original and intelligent one-liners, Chris Norton Walker who is a true force of nature, the self-effacing Alex Love, the witty Adi Knight, the instantly likeable Russ and the multi-nominated Stella Graham whose Edinburgh show received great reviews from critics and comics alike.

Oh, and some bloke called Andy Evans who is a bit pudgy and currently growing a beard for Movember.

Humour Tumour runs from 8pm on Sunday (November 24), at The Bullingdon Backroom (Art Bar), Cowley Road. Entry is £5. Like Humour Tumour on Facebook.