THE audience was in stitches as deadpan US comic Rich Hall took the stage at City Hall on Thursday as part of the Ageas International Arts Festival.

No-one in the front row was spared as Rich made good use (and good fun) of the audience.

The regular on UK panel shows including QI and Have I got News for You had done his homework, working in local knowledge to his routine and even taking a pop at some of the local news headlines, describing Salisbury as a place “where lots of really bad stuff almost happened”.

His hilarious mix of stand-up and songs brought the house down. One of the highlights of the festival.

Joe Riddle