It’s stand-up comedy – but not as we know it

Tucked away upstairs at The Hancock pub in Newcastle, just a stone’s throw away from Haymarket Metro station, Broken Mic’s stand-up storytelling night is one of the North East’s hidden gems.

The really interesting thing about the night is that each act is asked to perform a bespoke set on something or someone they’re passionate about. “It’s fun seeing acts I really like challenge themselves to write a new set just for us,” organiser Si Beckwith tells us. “There’s a wonderful chaotic anarchy to it all.”

The next show, on Monday 8 September, is headlined by local hero Gavin Webster, who’s a regular at the nearby Stand Comedy Club. We went to see Gavin in Edinburgh a few weeks back and bloody loved his new show (click to read our review).

There’s also performances from Rahul Kohli, Micky Cochrane (we liked his show too), Kayvan Khazee, Sean Turner and Beckwith, who hosts the night. “There’s lots of silliness, clever folk and most importantly, every one of these people really make me laugh,” Si adds.

Sound good? Tickets for the show are a bloody bargain at £3, and you can buy them on the night from 7.30pm.

Broken Mic Comedy’s September Showcase, upstairs at The Hancock pub, Newcastle, 8 September 2014, 8.30pm, £3. Click for more information.