LIVERPOOL'S answer to Father Ted is gracing the opening show of the city's comedy festival with his own unique brand of holy humour.
Deacon Terry Gilvin is getting ready to complete an inspirational line-up for Faith Hope and Hilarity at the Rawhide Comedy Club's new venue in Renshaw Street tomorrow night.
These include Dr Shiv Pande Hindu, vice chairman of Merseyside Council of Faiths, who will have Mrs Pande with him; Sikh leader Hardiv Sohal; Trevor Latham, (pictured), Anglican vicar at Walton church, Methodist minister David Flavell, and Rabbi Norman Zalid.
It ends organisers' search across the city's pulpits to find a stand-up Catholic to join the unique collection of faith funnymen (and women).
Terry said: "A friend told me that the organisers of the Liverpool Comedy Festival were looking for a comical Catholic, to which I replied - 'well, where did they leave him?!' It was at this point that my friend dared me to volunteer my comedy skills for the festival.
"I think that people don't laugh enough anymore, we tend to lose touch with the wonderful things that happen in every day life. My philosophy is to do my best to brighten up people's lives. I've never done stand-up before - so I'm wondering what I've let myself in for - but I've received a very warm welcome from all the religious comedians, and I'm sure it will be a Lord of laughs."
The group has been taught by two of Liverpool finest comedians Chris Cairns and R David as part of a six-week comedy workshop.
Last night saw the penultimate practice session to sharpen up their wisecracks, but it has not all been plain sailing for the comics.
