Kate Smurthwaite to headline Newcastle Labour fundraiser
Comedian and political activist Kate Smurthwaite has been announced as the headliner for Newcastle Labour’s fundraiser at The Stand in April.
Smurthwaite, who describes her participation in TV and radio debates as ‘arguing with idiots’, hosts an annual show at the Edinburgh Fringe called The News at Kate, which she tours around the UK and overseas.
She also co-wrote BBC Three’s satirical hidden-camera show The Revolution Will Be Televised, which lampooned politicians and the creative accountancy of certain businesses.
The show, on Sunday 13 April, will be hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice, a circuit favourite who has supported Peter Kay on tour and has appeared in the That Peter Kay Thing and Phoenix Nights.
She will be joined by Lauren Pattison and ex-Lindisfarne and Sunday for Sammy regular Pete Scott.
Proceeds of the evening will go towards fighting the local government elections, which will be held on 22 May alongside elections to the European Parliament.
Jane Byrne, a popular community campaigner in the Ouseburn area of the city, said: “We’ve got some tough campaigns to fight this year and this event will help us raise the funds we need to get our message out.
“It’s also a chance to have a great night out and enjoy some top political comedy.”
The event, which is open to non-party members, includes a raffle and an auction, with items donated by Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star Kevin Whately, Tyne Idols, and Jesmond’s popular cake decorator, CakePoppins.
The Stand Comedy Club, owned by Tommy Sheppard who himself stood as a Labour parliamentary candidate in the 1992 General Election, is no stranger to political comedy.
It hosts John Scott’s monthly panel show Sod the Tories (And Have a Nice Week), which has featured guest representatives from the Durham Miners’ Association, Socialist Workers Party, and the People’s Assembly.
And musical comedy group Jonny & the Baptists bring their The Stop UKIP Tour to The Stand in March.
The Newcastle Labour comedy fundraiser is at The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle, on Sunday 13 April 2014. Tickets are available online, priced £15 or £10 for concessions/low waged. The show starts at 7pm.
UPDATE: This article was edited on 1 April 2014 to reflect that Stephen Frizzle has been replaced by Pete Scott.
