Northumberland’s Punch-Drunk Comedy announce 2015 line-up
Punch-Drunk Comedy have confirmed a host of new stand-up shows leading up to July 2015.
The Northumberland comedy club returns to Newsham Side-Club in Blyth on Monday 16 March with a headline appearance from Hebburn creator Jason Cook.
The barnstorming line-up, hosted by hometown hero Kai Humphries, also includes character comic Jellybean Martinez and Danny McLoughlin.
Building up to the summer, Punch-Drunk welcome a mix of TV stars and established circuit acts, including former Scottish Comedian of the Year Mark Nelson (20 April) and Live At The Apollo star Tom Stade (18 May).
2014 Comedian’s Comedian award-winner Gavin Webster also makes an appearance on the 18 May.
Gavin Humphries, of Punch-Drunk Comedy, said: “We’re planning on developing our flagship Blyth event into something of a carnival – starting with the release of our early 2015 programme.
“The comedy purists would likely be aghast with our plans, but there are plenty of clubs providing stripped down gigs set against brick-walls.
“We already have the carnival atmosphere and we’re going to oblige by bringing the carnival to town.”
Gavin insists that the comedy will always be centre-stage at Punch-Drunk, but the Blyth resident has exciting plans to make Punch-Drunk the hot topic of conversation in the region.
He also hopes Punch-Drunk will help drive tourism in the region, with a number of Northumberland cottages, B&Bs and hotels set to benefit from the high-profile shows.
“We believe that the creativity doesn’t have to remain confined to the stage,” Gavin said.
“We’ve got huge plans for Blyth and we can’t wait to share them with our loyal Punch-Drunk Army.”
Founded by Gavin Humphries and his brother Kai, Punch-Drunk is a community-driven venture that aims to bring the world’s best stand-up talent to Northumberland.
Piggy-backing on the success of Punch-Drunk’s stand-up shows in Blyth, the comedy club have now expanded into North Shields, with a show at Percy Main Cricket Club on Thursday 19 March. And the comedy club launch a new night at Ashington Rugby Club on Wednesday 18 March.
“In an age when we spend more time than ever before behind a keyboard, we want to bring the community spirit back to Northumberland,” Gavin explained.
“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.”
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.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now via punchdrunkcomedy.co.uk. Tickets are also available by calling or texting Gavin Humphries on 07738663379, or in person at either Les Belles or Headkase.
