Have you heard the one about the teacher who quit teaching to run a comedy club?

Stephen Powell has spent the past 12 years working as a Business Studies and Computing teacher in secondary schools, but has now packed it all in to run The Comedy Cow from a small office in Talbot Green, South Wales.

Hailing from Llantrisant, Steve moved to Milton Keynes after being unable to find permanent employment in a school in South Wales and it was there where he found a gap in the market for comedy nights, hence the name The Comedy Cow representing the Concrete Cows of Milton Keynes.

Whilst working full time as a teacher, Steve developed the club in his spare time along with Oakgrove P.E. teacher Ben Robinson, and back in March they were awarded the title “Best Small Comedy Club in the Midlands and East”, quite an achievement for something run as a hobby.

Such is the reputation of The Comedy Cow, Steve has managed to persuade Mock the Week star Gary Delaney, who is incidentally married to Sarah Millican, and Paul “The Sinnerman” Sinha from ITV’s The Chase to come and perform in South Wales this December. Gary and Paul are both on the bill at Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall on Friday December 11 whilst Paul will spend an extra day in South Wales and will also be at Pontyclun Rugby Club on Saturday December 12.

The comedy night at Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall on Friday December 11 is priced at just £10 and presents the very best stand-ups on the comedy circuit in what is an ambitious event for The Comedy Cow’s first venture in Caerphilly.

Steve said: “We fell in love with the venue and the work which Karina and the team are doing at Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall and wanted to be a part of the adventure.”

Steve, a Freeman of Llantrisant added: “I want to bring The Comedy Cow to South Wales, as it offers a totally different night out to what is currently on offer in the area, our nights are aimed at comedy lovers as opposed to simply a night out and this is what makes the atmosphere what it is”.

Having moved to Milton Keynes, from Llantrisant in 2006, becoming an entrepreneur has allowed him to return to South Wales where he is now trying to build the “Best Small Comedy Club in Wales” with the support of his family who will often be found helping out at the events.

To find out more about The Comedy Cow, visit www.thecomedycow.com and be sure to check them out for an alternative night out!