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A COMEDY actor who appeared in Austin Powers is going to attempt to set a world record in Barnsley.

Neil Mullarkey - founder of The Comedy Store Players - wants to create the world’s biggest comedy improvisation team at a free show in Barnsley on August 10.

Neil is hosting ‘Comedy Gold at Building 21’ at Elsecar Heritage Centre, which will feature improvised sketches with Nell and Richard Vranch, his colleague from Britain’s top improv troupe, the Comedy Store Players.

He said: “I’ve performed on numerous occasions in Yorkshire but it’s my first time in Barnsley so I hope the local people will want to come along and get involved in this world record attempt.

"There is something really joyous about improvisation comedy because it gets people more involved and they leave knowing they have had a one-off experience. It’s funny to hear people say something that they didn’t even know was in their head.“

Neil has made numerous film and television appearances, including; Have I Got News For You, Whose Line Is It Anyway, Austin Powers, Saturday Live and QI. He has shared the stage with comedy legends including Eddie Izzard, Tony Hawks, Dawn French, Nick Hancock and Eric Sykes.

Comedy Gold at Building 21 will take place on August 10 from 6pm and is free to attend - tickets are available from The Civic and anyone aged over 11 can attend.

Neil and his colleagues will perform a few improvised sketches then invite everyone else to get involved. 

The event is part of the London 2012 Festival, organised through the Newham Barnsley Partnership.