Revealed: Sunderland Comedy Festival 2013

The North East is getting another comedy festival.

Sunderland-based promoters Mackem Laugh have announced they are organising a series of shows on Wearside from 30 June until 7 July 2013, known as the Sunderland Comedy Combover.

The North East is currently home to five festivals that showcase comedy, including the Newcastle/Gateshead Comedy Festival, Darlington Comedy Festival and the Stockton Weekender.

Though unlike the Newcastle and Darlington festivals, which showcase the top tour shows heading to the Edinburgh Fringe, Mackem Laugh have opted to select the best acts from their club nights over the past 12 months.

Of the professional comics, Patrick Monahan, Dan Mitchell, Sara Pascoe, John Cooper (also known as Danny Pensive) and Hebburn actor Steffen Peddie have been booked for the festival so far.

And the club is continuing its policy of booking fledgling comedians who do not command a fee – with “around 200 spots to fill” at the festival.

Stephen Cuthbert, of Mackem Laugh, told Giggle Beats: “This is a chance to kick-start culture in Sunderland.

“We’ll be utilising venues across the city – some more bizzare than others – and bringing funny telly faces for comedy goodness.

“The festival will see a mix of pro and local amateur comics take to stages, street corners and various other places across the duration of the festival.

“There’ll also be comedy workshops for adults and kids, as well as showcases to demonstrate what they‘ve learnt.”

Mackem Laugh also confirmed that, in the spirit of the Edinburgh Free Fringe, there will be a number of family-friendly free shows across the city.

Cuthbert added: “The best thing about the festival is that there will be ample free shows to attend with the whole family right here and on your door step.”

The festival is being backed by Sunderland Live.

For more details, see: facebook.com/SunderlandComedyFestival