A new TV acting role on Sky Atlantic show Starlings has recently occupied the time of Geordie comic Gavin Webster... and he admits he’d love to do more

TOP North-East comedian Gavin Webster may be better known for his confrontational style of stand-up comedy, but he’s now spreading his wings into the world of acting.

The Newcastle-based funnyman has got off to a flying start in the forthcoming TV series of Starlings, screening in the spring, on Sky Atlantic.

The critically-acclaimed comedy drama, written by Steve Edge (of Phoenix Nights, The Cup, Peep Show and Star Stories fame) and Matt King (Peep Show), has an embarrassment of comedy riches in the show. Steve Coogan and Henry Normal’s Baby Cow Productions produce the programme which features the acting talents of Lesley Sharp, Brendan Coyle and Rebecca Night. Now Webster is determined to add this feather to his cap.

The Geordie humorist revealed he was cast for the part after meeting up with one of the writers, an old friend, on the set of a BBC1 children’s programme.

“I know Steve Edge really well,” says Webster, who appears in three episodes of the show.

“I’ve got a lot in common with him and he’s a good laugh. I was in Walk On The Wild Side (the BBC series) with him. He asked if I’d like to play the role of this character and I said yes. It was as simple as that. There was no auditioning or biting my nails waiting for a call back.”

Webster has built up a reputation on the comedy circuit for pulling no punches, whether discussing the social, political or cultural climate of the world. So has he become a luvvy and gone all respectable?

“Not really,” says Webster, chuckling at the thought “I play a character called Martin. He’s a crazy Geordie loner, who writes dark sadistic poetry on a creative writing course. So there you go, it’s art imitating my life. My integrity remains intact.

“I got to behave like a bloke, who looks like he’s got a shady past. You know, like, where have you buried all the bodies, mate? Martin suggests disturbing writing styles and quotes poetry to the class of a dark sadistic nature. I had to do a lot of staring, nodding and laughing sarcastically, which is a particular skill of mine, as it happens.”

IN the past, Webster has appeared on popular television panel shows such as:Never Mind the Buzzcocks, The Regionnaires and Does Doug Know and, although the Wallsend comic once appeared in a sketch show, his appearances in Starlings is his first attempt at serious acting.

The 43-year-old comic says it was an enjoyable experience and admitted he would welcome further opportunities to act, although he was rather modest about his theatrical ability and the range of roles he could play.

“I did a sketch show called, No Signal, on FX channel,” says Webster. “Is that acting? I don’t know. It was at Shepperton studios, which was exciting. But the experience on Starlings was very different to what I’m used too. There were very long days, waiting around and doing a scene time and time and time again. But the catering was very nice.

“Who knows if there’ll be a third series or whether Martin will come back for it. But, if I was asked, I’d gladly do it again. It was great to make my acting debut and play a bloke like that. A sort of Andy McNab/ Alfred Hitchcock wannabe with a Geordie accent. I reckon I can only do quirky small parts in a sitcom. I can do comedy, but I’ll leave the proper acting to the proper actors.”

  • As for the future, you can either catch the Geordie comic in his new show Oh No, It’s Gavin Webster, at the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, on Friday, October 4, or at his Northumbrian Assembly residency at The Stand, Newcastle, every Sunday.

Tickets are on sale for the Tyne Theatre gig at, £14, £12 and 2 for £20, for a limited period only. Call 08444-939999 or check the website millvolvotynetheatre.co.uk/events