Sarah Millican to perform at ‘South Tyneside Live Aid’

Sarah Millican is to perform at a comedy gala in her hometown to raise money for a local theatre.

The former Queen of Comedy will appear at the Customs House in South Shields on Sunday 15 February at 3pm and 7.30pm. The show was organised by Jason Cook, creator of BBC Two sitcom Hebburn, and will also feature Hebburn lead Chris Ramsey as well as guests yet to be announced.

Cook told the Shields Gazette: “It’s going to be amazing. It will be a night of specifically South Tyneside comedy, which means you can get away with local references and I can speak at my normal speed, which is the big thing.

“It started one night when I was chatting to [executive director] Ray Spencer about the Customs House. I’d had a pint so told him I’d put on a night to raise some money for the theatre. Everyone I asked said ‘yes’ straight away, even when we had to change the date. I’ve played there before, so have Sarah and Chris, and it’s a venue close to all of our hearts.

“It’s going to be like South Tyneside Live Aid. We don’t get to see each other very much since we’re always travelling up and down the country, so this is a great way for us to get together to do something for a good cause. Everything on the night is going to be special. Hopefully it’ll be one that people will never forget.”

Customs House executive director Ray Spencer said: “It’s wonderful nationally established stars like Jason, Chris and Sarah give their time so generously to help secure the future of a local asset which serves their community.”

Tickets for the show are on sale now, priced £30.