Preview: Tyne & Wear New Act of the Year competition
Long Live Comedy
The North East’s longest running new act night is launching its own talent search to find the region’s next big star.
On Tuesday, Long Live Comedy will begin the inaugural Tyne & Wear New Act of the Year competition. Three more heats will then take place biweekly, followed by a final at the Dog and Parrot in Newcastle on Tuesday 11th December.
The eventual winner – who must have been performing for no more than two years and either live, work or be from Tyne and Wear – will pocket £100, plus professional gigs from The Grinning Idiot Comedy Club.
Organiser George Zach said: “We’ve always ran Long Live Comedy as a night open to all. We attempt to create a supportive atmosphere made up with the odd seasoned professional you’ve seen on telly trying new material, tomorrow’s star or just a bloke covering his privates with a baseball cap reminiscing about 70’s Coronation Street.”
Occasionally theatre touring acts like Reginald D Hunter pop down to road test new material, and local favourites Chris Ramsey, Simon Donald and Sarah Millican have all played the room since the club’s inception back in March 2006.
Millican, who recently announced details of her 2013/2014 tour Home Bird, told Giggle Beats: “Long Live Comedy always felt like a lovely comfortable sitting room where you were allowed to fail.
“They liked it if you succeeded too but a room you’re allowed to fail in is a haven for creativity and experimentation.”
The Tyne & Wear New Act of the Year competition begins on Tuesday 2nd October at the Dog and Parrot, Newcastle. Tickets are priced at £2 and available on the night. For more info, see: longlivecomedy.co.uk.
