Jesterval 2014: 5 must-see free shows

If you’re skint, live near Gateshead and really like comedy then you’re in luck; Jesterval is back at Baltic Square for the next nine days – and there are plenty of free shows to tickle your fancy. Here are five of ’em.

ANDY FURY: My Cup Upset, Saturday 7 June, 3pm, FREE

Andy Fury likes going to football grounds. He also travels around bitching with his bessie mate following the FA Cup. He was at Wembley. He’s been to Crawley. We can only dream of such glamour.

FUNNY TEAM: Proper Sketchy, Sunday 8 June, 3pm, FREE

Lee Kyle, Matt Reed, Nicola Mantalios-Lovett, Catherine Scott, Sammy Dobson. Sketch for people who don’t like sketch. Well worth a look in.

GARETH BERLINER & KIRUNA STAMELL: One Of Us Will Die, Sunday 8 June, 4.15pm, FREE

This is what happens when a British comedian and an Australian actress meet, fall in love, get married, and write a show together. Bold, funny stand-up that takes a sledgehammer to convention.

BBC Newcastle’s BIG DAFT QUIZ ABOUT STUFF, Thursday 12 June, 6.30pm, FREE

Chris Donald (Viz), Jason Cook (Comedian), Ben Crompton (everything) vs Alfie Joey, Gilly Hope and Simon Pryde (BBC Newcastle presenters) have a battle of wits in a brand new quiz hosted and written by Mr. Drayton. We expect a donation to Children in Need mind, so don’t come empty handed.

SILKY: It Was This Show Or Have Kids, Saturday 14 June, 4.30pm, FREE

Lady-kind’s loss is comedy’s gain as Silky has sacrificed everything to become one of the most charming and entertaining turns on the circuit. See a quite brilliant comedian being just quite brilliant.

Jesterval Comedy Festival, Baltic Square, Gateshead Quays, 6-14 June, jesterval.co.uk