Jesterval announce free kids’ comedy

Jesterval, the comedy festival coming to Gateshead Quays next week, have announced free afternoon comedy for kids.

The five-day long festival, which runs 3-7 October from Baltic Square, features some of the UK’s biggest stand-ups – including Ed Byrne, Marcus Brigstocke and Hebburn creator Jason Cook.

But it’s not all about the grown-ups, with organisers today confirming four family shows from the likes of Frehd the Clown and Silky.

Frehd the Clown [pictured] will open the kids’ comedy at 12pm on Saturday 5 October, with a show that combines comedy, magic and…bubbles.

Frehd said: “I am very much looking forward to performing at Jesterval. So much so I may have peaked to soon… My bags are packed and I am ready set to go.

“I guess it’s all in the name, Jesterval.  It only seems right I, a clown, a jester, come play.

“I love performing for kids because I’m a big kid myself.  I love to play – and love the unexpected shout out/heckles that comes from a child’s mind.”

Silky share’s Frehd’s philosophy, and says he enjoys performing stand-up to kids more than adults.

He said: “I find that [at kids’ comedy shows] everyone’s happy in a way that adults aren’t; they’ve all got their own interests and they tend to be more attentive to the comedy.

“You can talk about broader topics, but at the same time kids will laugh when I say that I’m made out of cheese.”

But Silky, who opens Sunday’s family comedy, stress that adults won’t be twiddling their thumbs at his show; there are plenty of jokes for them too.

“I think the parents will enjoy it; there are little in-jokes for them. I’d like to think of the show as a lift; it works on many levels.”

Jesterval’s family comedy is free, but you can secure a seat by emailing [email protected].

Jesterval Comedy Festival runs 3-7 October at Baltic Square, Gateshead Quays. For more information, visit jesterval.co.uk.