Tyneside’s Comedy Festival is back under new management. Viv Hardwick reports.

TEN nights of laughter are on offer for audience in Newcastle and Gateshead after the annual Comedy Festival announced it will be back on Friday, July 22, with a new management team. The event is timed to capture a number of Edinburgh previews, using household names in intimate surroundings or new talent in flagship venues, with the intention of capturing the interest of scores of comedy fans en route to the world-famous Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Festival highlights include comedy fans getting up close and personal with Sarah Millican in the informal 150- seat St Dominic’s Catholic Club; Canadian comic Tom Stade treading the boards of the internationally- renowned The Sage Gateshead, and Alun Cochrane making a much anticipated return to Newcastle’s revamped Live Theatre, where he has performed numerous sell-out shows.

The event will also provide a platform for some of the region’s bestknown talents such as Simon Donald, Gavin Webster, Seymour Mace andChris Ramsey who are regulars on the comedy circuit with tales of Geordie life, colourful character acts and northern observations.

Many are also keen to catch a sneak preview of the stars of tomorrow.

The up-and-coming acts are being offered the chance to test their mirth in front of new audiences as part of the festival’s Local Heroes night at The Sage Gateshead.

John Smith, Grinning Idiot Comedy Club founder and festival organiser, says: “I was thrilled to be asked to take over the comedy festival. The Grinning Idiot has enjoyed a rapid growth over the last few years and adding the festival to the programme really complements the work we are already doing in the region.

“The idea to move from March to July was to allow an obvious link to Edinburgh previews and, being located just an hour’s train journey from Edinburgh, it means that we are ideally located for fans to see their favourite acts new shows before they hit the Fringe a week later.

“The programme is a really good mix of established and up-and-coming acts, and I was also keen to ensure that the North-East was wellrepresented, as we have some great comedians coming out of the region.

The success of acts like Sarah Millican is testament to this, so I think it’s a great opportunity for us to show off our talent.”

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Friday, July 22, 8.30pm, Sarah Millican St Dominic’s, Newcastle.

8pm, Chris Ramsey and Tom Deacon, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Saturday, July 23, 8pm Seymour Mace and Simon Donald Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Sunday, July 24, 8pm ,Paul Sinha and Mick Ferry, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Monday, July 25, 8pm, Norman Lovett and Isy Suttie, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Tuesday, July 26, 8pm, Alun Cochrane and Pat Monahan, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Wednesday, July 27, 8pm, Ava Vidal and James Dowdeswell, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Thursday, July 28, 8pm, Gavin Webster and Josh Howie, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

Friday, July 29, 8pm, Dan Willis and Steffen Peddie, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

8pm Local Heroes: Five New Acts, The Sage Gateshead, Plus Chris Ramsey and MC Alfie Joey.

Saturday, July 30, 8pm, Andrew Lawrence and Jason Cook, Live Theatre, Newcastle.

8.30pm, Tom Stade, The Sage, Gateshead.

Sunday, July 3, 8pm Jason Cook plus guest, VENUE TBC.