Sunderland Comedy Festival 2014: the line-up revealed

The festival is returning to Wearside in July.

Sunderland Comedy Festival is back for a second year this summer.

The festival is returning to Wearside on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July, with 10 shows due to take place at music venue Independent throughout the weekend.

With a new promoter at the helm there’s consistency and quality in this year’s line-up, with no sign of the amateur showcases of the previous regime, nor the scattergun choice of venues.

Instead, we’re treated to a diverse range of comedy under one roof, with traditional stand-up, Edinburgh Fringe previews, family-friendly shows and free performances from established circuit acts including the likes of Tony Jameson (12 July, 2pm) and Steffen Peddie (13 July, 2pm).

Lee Nelson is the stand-out name in the programme, released exclusively on Giggle Beats today.

Nelson, whose TV credits include the likes of Live At The Apollo and Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show, will headline the festival’s closing gala show on Sunday 13 July.

There are also shows from Ed Gamble (12 July, 4pm), Ray Peacock (13 July, 4pm), Jojo Sutherland (13 July, 6pm) and Hebburn creator Jason Cook (12 July, 6pm), who brings his new show Broken to Wearside ahead of his run at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe.

While Martin Mor (12 July, 12pm) and Lee Kyle (13 July, 12pm) will host free family-friendly shows at the nearby Pop Recs.

Organiser Si Buglass, of Creased Comedy, said: “At the moment there are no comedy events at all running in Sunderland, which seems a shame.

“Hopefully the festival will be a great addition for the city and a catalyst for things to come.”

He added: “We have some great acts signed up to perform at the festival and I’m sure it will be a great weekend.”

Tickets for paid shows will go on sale in the coming weeks via Independent and selected ticketing outlets.

Sunderland Comedy Festival, Independent & Pop Recs, 12-13 July 2014, 12pm-11pm.