A WANTAGE comedian is looking to make audiences laugh without insulting or humiliating them - as part of a new wave of 'clean' comedy.

While many British comedians are known for offensive and cutting one-liners and controversial jokes, performer Kieran Hearty is hoping to popularise humour that cuts out swearing and does not pick on audience members.

Though it is not wildly popular in clubs across the country, the concept of ‘clean’ comedy is not new – it was performed by the iconic Joan Rivers, Bob Hope and Bob Newhart.

This is why Mr Hearty, who is based in Wantage, has announced he will be putting on monthly events in the town to those who wish to watch a different act.

ALSO READ: Air ambulance called to a 'medical emergency' at leisure centre

Mr Hearty tried his luck in stand-up two years ago in Rome to celebrate his 60th birthday.

But this was not a one-time performance – the comedian has a generous line-up of gigs across the UK in the next several months including London, Manchester, Bedford, Chichester and Broadstairs.

Hoping to attract locals, he put on the first low-key event on Friday in Marmalade coffee shop, Market Place.

As the venue is small, there were no more than 30 tickets available, but these quickly sold out and Mr Hearty said there is definitely ‘hunger’ in the local community for such gigs.

The comedian pointed out that he has been to many events in the past where the front three rows were empty.

He added: “I have spoken to dozens of people who avoid going to stand-up comedy because it’s either ‘unnecessarily vulgar’ or because they hate ‘getting picked on’.

“As a performer I have had to entice people to move further forward on many occasions.”

Mr Hearty added that in his experience many audience members feel bullied at stand-ups as ‘comedians’ default mechanism’ is to swear and pick on those who sit at the front rows.

ALSO READ: Lebanese vegan food is richer than what Comptoir had to offer

The comedian did admit he occasionally uses some mild swear words but said he sticks to an observational, sarcastic and self-deprecating style.

Explaining the need for ‘clean’ acts, Mr Hearty said: “We have normalised rudeness and mocking each other.

“People laugh at weight issues, age issues, personal experiences because they are incredibly judgemental and they want to express that in a cruel way.”

“And those watching comedy do not want to endure humiliation as that will spoil their evening.”

While there is no set date for the next 'clean comedy' Wantage show, Mr Hearty said he hopes to invite other Oxfordshire comedians to join him.