A comedian from Darlington is performing his debut show at the Durham Fringe Festival next week.
Bryan James decided to write about his life and experiences and this hour-long show reflects his musings over the last forty years.
The work-in-progress show is inspired by Bryan’s mum, who, while pregnant at 18, read a book on how to raise a confident child.
Forty years later, Bryan is determined to know why.
Read more: Vandals target play areas in Darlington - and rip up the tarmac at one of them
Bryan said: “It was something I’d been thinking about for quite a while, I was obsessing over it to be honest. I knew I wanted to write something and I finally realised I needed to put pen to paper. It’s a work-in-progress so there is more work to do but I can’t wait to just see what reaction it gets.
“Without giving too much away, I did ask my mam what inspired her to read that book and well…it’s just ridiculous really. It’s not what you’d think!”
The show is called Sun Boy, a nickname given to Bryan by his Auntie Pauline.
The Darlington-born comic is also a semi-finalist in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer.
Read more: PICTURES: Tea dance in Darlington proves a big hit - can you spot yourself?
The North East Stand Up was also a finalist in the Best New Comedy Act competition at the Bath comedy festival this year.
Bryan has also had some viral videos on social media. Firstly, his video on TikTok where he was in conversation with recording artist, Adele, in which she asked where he was from.
When he replied “Darlington” she didn’t have a clue where it was but nevertheless this gained attention from Darlington residents.
His 15,000 followers on TikTok is also partially due to his video on last year’s funnel cloud that was spotted in Darlington and County Durham.
Read more: Huge beach to open in Darlington (and it'll have deck chairs and ice cream)
Bryan is leading somewhat of a double life, by day he is a social worker and works closely with older people and vulnerable adults, by night he is a stand-up comic.
After training in Performing Arts at New College Durham, Bryan delved into the world of acting but decided after a few years that the allure of having control over his own work was what he most wanted.
He also runs a monthly new material night at Dr.Inks on Coniscliffe Road in Darlington where aspiring comics are encouraged to get up and give it a go.
Feeling excited for next week, but a little nervous, Bryan said: “This weekend I'll have a wild time rehearsing my show in my living room!”
Sun Boy will be performed at Durham Fringe Festival from Tuesday, July 26 to Thursday, July 28 at 6:30pm at Fabio’s Bar on Sadler Street.
To find out more, visit Bryan's website: https://brywithay.com/
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here