Punch-Drunk rolls on

Punch-Drunk Comedy rolls on with two shows in Blyth next week, both headlined by Malawian stand-up Daliso Chaponda.

Chaponda closes an already sold out show at Newsham Side-Club on Monday, before an extra second show the following night due to high demand for tickets. Dan Nightingale, Andy Fury and Kai Humphries, whose brother Gavin runs Punch-Drunk Comedy, also make appearances.

Punch-Drunk aims to bring the world’s best stand-up talent to Northumberland, with future line-ups featuring the likes of Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Phil Nichol, local legend Gavin Webster and Jason Cook, creator of the BBC Two sitcom Hebburn.

But more importantly, Gavin hopes the night will help bring their local community back together – if only for once a month.

“In an age when we spend more time than ever before behind a keyboard, we want to bring the community spirit back to Blyth,” Gavin told Giggle Beats.

“The bars, pubs and clubs in the area are steadily disappearing from the social map, but the requirement for us to enjoy each other’s company is not.

“With Punch-Drunk we are creating a movement towards social reconnection.  Yes, the night will be centred around laughter, but beyond that it’s fast becoming a landmark social event in the monthly calendar.

“There will be an hour either side of the gig itself in which to strengthen existing friendships and make new ones, as well as two interval breaks during the show.”

As part of Punch-Drunk’s community drive, the comedy club has teamed up with local charity Princess Ellie’s Trust.

Punch-Drunk donate 30 tickets for each show, from which the charity, run by Rachel & Dan Long, keeps 100% of the takings for their wonderful cause.

The opening night, which featured Daniel Sloss and Andrew Maxwell, raised £486.19 for Princess Ellie’s Trust.

Such was the success of Punch-Drunk’s launch, the comedy club’s next show at Newsham Side-Club sold out in just five days, prompting Gavin to add a second date on Tuesday 17 February.

“The launch event was a huge success,” Gavin said. “It was clear from the social media fervour in the weeks leading up to the event – and since then – that we’ve captured the imagination of the community and that they’ve embraced our ethos.

“The clamour for seats was such that we decided to add a back-to-back event on the Tuesday.

“Punch-Drunk 2 features another line-up of top-drawer acts, including Dan Nightingale, Andy Fury and Daliso Chaponda, as well as one or two surprises up our sleeves.”

Tickets for the show, priced £7, are on sale now via Ticket Source.

Tickets are also available by calling or texting Gavin Humphries on 07738663379, or in person at either Les Belles or Headkase.

Punch-Drunk 2, Newsham Side-Club, Blyth, Tuesday 17th February, doors 7pm, show 8pm.