BARNARD Castle is to get an unusual - and inebriated - history lesson this autumn, as The Thinking Drinkers bring their historical comedy show to The Witham.

On Saturday, October 21, the duo will perform their hilarious, informative and boozy show History of Alcohol.

Audience members will not only be treated to an intoxicating, time-travelling trip through our drink-drenched past, but can also join in with the "spirit" of the evening with five free drinks on offer throughout the show.

The Thinking Drinkers, made up of award-winning drinks writers and comedy performers Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, met in their twenties while working on a leading pub magazine, before heading to the US where they co-wrote a critically acclaimed guide to West Coast beers.

McFarland is a three-time winner of British Beer Writer of the Year, and at the time, its youngest ever recipient. He has also penned several books on beer, including World’s Best Beers: 1000 Unmissable Brews from Portland to Prague and Boutique Beer: 500 of the World’s Finest Craft Brews.

The former editor of leading industry spirits and cocktail magazine Class, Sandham is also a lecturer on spirits for the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and writer of the award-winning World’s Best Cocktails.

The duo's first live show The Thinking Drinker’s Guide to Alcohol debuted at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe and enjoyed sell-out shows, returning to Edinburgh in 2012 before transferring to London’s West End. At the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe, The Thinking Drinkers returned with The Thinking Drinker’s Guide to the Legends of Liquor, which ran again in 2015 before touring the UK, and inspiring an award-winning book, The Thinking Drinkers: An Enlightened Imbibers Guide to Alcohol.

Following last year's hugely popular show Around The World in 80 Drinks, Tom and Ben are back with a brand new drinking experience. In a History of Alcohol, the Thinking Drinkers examine the history of the world through the bottom of a glass, examining in hilarious detail how alcohol has influenced everything that has ever happened.

You'll laugh a lot, you'll learn a lot and, you might even get a little tipsy.

The Witham venue are also making this a Supper Club Event so audience members can opt to purchase a themed meal prior to the show. Advanced booking is essential though.

Funny Way To Be promoter Peter Dixon said: "We're thrilled to be hosting such an inimitable and fascinating show here at Funny Way To Be. Whether you're a comedy fan, a drinks aficionado or a history buff, The Thinking Drinkers' show is sure to provide a great night of captivating entertainment. Just make sure you get a lift home."

  • The Thinking Drinkers' History of Alcohol, The Witham, Barnard Castle, Saturday, October 21. Tickets from funnywaytobe.com and the Witham Box Office. Suitable for over-18s.