He was a comic legend whose name is still revered more than half a century after his tragic death at the age of 44.

And now the historic building where Tony Hancock performed his first set, in 1940, is again to be filled with the sound of laughter.

Carl’s Comedy Club is launching a brand-new comedy night at Bournemouth’s Avon Social Club starting Thursday September 30.

The line-up includes Mock the Week and 8 out of 10 Cats writer Morgan Rees and will be hosted by Carl Filer, well-known for his sell-out shows across Dorset.

The comedy night will be staged in the Tony Hancock Laughter Lounge.

Although born in Birmingham, Tony Hancock was brought up in Bournemouth where his father ran a hotel.

His 1950s radio and television sitcom, Hancock’s Half Hour, is still regarded as unsurpassed in the field of light entertainment.

Episodes such as The Blood Donor – with famous lines including “I don’t mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint! That’s very nearly an armful!” – have gone down in comedy history.

Last year Hancock’s Half Hour achieved second place in the 40 best radio comedies poll by Radio Times.

Described as ‘the ultimate sitcom, which paved the way for many to follow’, it was only beaten to first place by I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

To this day The Tony Hancock Appreciation Society continues to thrive, holding its 45th anniversary dinner earlier this month.

A commemorative plaque to Tony Hancock is mounted on the wall at the Avon Social Club, pictured left.

Carl Filer has been part of the Bournemouth stand-up scene for almost a decade.

He said: “I’ve always loved comedy.

“Growing up I used to watch the great double acts with my Dad, like Morecambe and Wise and The Two Ronnies.

“But I didn’t really plan to get involved in the industry myself.

“It was only when I started working at Chaplin’s in 2012 and saw how perfect the space was for stand-up that I decided to organise something.

“Initially the legend that is Dennis Pratt hosted the evenings, then when he retired, he passed the role on to me, and the rest is history.”

The line-up for the opening night includes both well-known names and newcomers.

But all will offer unique styles, from self-deprecating quips to darker humour.

Carl said: “I’ve tried to include a range of acts to showcase all that stand-up has to offer.

“I think what makes you laugh depends on what mood you’re in, so I wanted to make sure there was something for everyone.

“When I first became involved there were hardly any opportunities to see live comedy, and even fewer regular events.

“Since then, things have been growing and myself, and several other comedy lovers across the local area, have been working together to try and reach a point where every night of the week there’s somewhere people can go to see stand-up – that’s the dream.

“This is the next building block.  

“The Avon Social Club [pictured above] is the perfect place to do it.

“When I found out that Tony Hancock performed for the first time there, I was blown away.

“He’s one of the greats, so knowing he was on that stage just gives the place a special feel.

“Like laughter is in the air.

“And that’s what I want.

“I want people to come to these evenings and feel able to laugh, relax and enjoy themselves – even if they have an embarrassing laugh!”  

Debbie Snooks, Avon Social Club’s Entertainment Secretary, said: “Without the commemorative plaque outside, you could walk straight past the building and have no idea that such a legend of British comedy started his career on our stage back in July 1940.

“Not that it went particularly well for him at the time, as his material was a little too outrageous for the audience.

“We’re so looking forward to having Carl’s Comedy Club bringing laughter back to the Tony Hancock Laughter Lounge every month.”  

• Tickets for the opening night of Carl’s Comedy Club at the Avon Social Club are available at carlscomedyclub.com.