Preview: Edinburgh Fringe Previews…Preview.
The countdown on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has now officially reached the “Wow, really, that soon!?” stage. But before we can swan up north to check out the sights, scenes and smells of the single greatest thing ever to happen to humanity, there’s the small matter ofthe acts involved testing out their routines.
So, for those of you who simply can’t wait, or won’t get the chance to get up there at all, we’ve compiled some of the highlights from the regions Fringe preview shows. In chronological order!
Saturday 7th July – Nick Doody and Andrew Ryan, St Mary’s Parish Hall, Barnard Castle
Comedy veteran and writer for TV’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Nick Doody comes to County Durham to try out his latest batch of smart one-liners. There’s also Irishman Andrew Ryan, who I once saw at The Comedy Store being hilarious. Plus, comedy in Durham! Bonus.
Monday 9th July – Andrew Lawrence and Chris Stokes, The Hub, Darlington
The Hub’s a cracking little venue, not least of all because it’s right next to a Domino’s Pizza. So you can have a slice of ham and pineapple while you watch Andrew Lawrence, who recently had a ten week residency on Channel 4′s Stand Up For The Week. Chris Strokes, on the other hand, shares his name with a porn star. So I’ve been told.
Monday 16th July – Carl Hutchinson and Joe Lycett, ‘Seen’, Darlington
This is Carl Hutchinson‘s first solo show in Edinburgh and we can’t wait to see it. He’s won a bucket full of awards – rightly so – and has been supporting golden boy Chris Ramsey on tour recently. Exciting times lie ahead. Joe Lycett’s been racking up the awards too: he was once Chortle’s Student Comedian of the Year and no doubt he’ll be on your telly box before long.
Tuesday 17th July – Patrick Monahan/Seymour Mace – As You Like It, Newcastle.
Seymour Mace is the Jarrow-born master of silliness, and Patrick Monahan you’ll recognise from ITV’s Show Me The Funny – and they’re both coming to As You Like It, courtesy of The Laughing Penguin. We’ve got a cracking interview with Pat here if you’ve got a few minutes spare, too. He won’t stop hugging people, you know…
Saturday 21st July – Paul Sinha/James Dowdeswell – Live Theatre, Newcastle.
Paul Sinha has his own Radio 4 show, guest appearances on 5 Live, and is one of the swotty blokes on ITV’s hilariously awful faux-excitement inducing game show The Chase. His tales of globetrotting misadventure are brilliant to, so his Live Theatre show with Extras’ Extra James Dowedeswell is one of the highlights of the NGCF.
Monday 23rd July – Martin Mor/Dan Nightingale, Newcastle Stand.
Two of the most reliable acts on the comedy circuit here, and two of the best comperes too. And if that doesn’t sway you, perhaps this picture of Martin Mor will…
Tuesday 24th July – Steve Day/Lost Voice Guy, Live Theatre, Newcastle.
Lost Voice Guy, or Lee Ridley as he’s also known, is fast becoming one of the best things about the NE comedy scene. Swerving gracefully around the obstacle of having no actual voice, his iPad orchestrated routine has won over anyone who’s taken the time to see him. Steve Day, on the other hand, is deaf. So a truly uplifting night and unique night of comedy awaits.
Thursday 26th July – The Ginge, The Geordie and the Geek/Celia Pacquola, Inside Out, Darlington.
They’ve got their own TV pilot (which we’re desperately hoping gets a full series) and The Ginge, The Geordie, and The Geek have been picked out as one of the top 10 shows to see at this year’s Fringe. Australian Celia Pacquola’s also worth checking out, not least of all because I fancy her a bit.
Many thanks to our friends at Keep Your Eyes Open for helping us put this together.
