Pat’s back: Monahan to headline Split Festival

Patrick Monahan | Photo: Ellis O'Brien

Patrick Monahan will headline the comedy at this year’s Split Festival.

With less than two weeks to go until the festival kicks off at Ashbrooke Sports Club in Sunderland, Giggle Beats can exclusively reveal that Monahan has signed up to close the Tunstall Hill stage on Saturday 22^nd September.

The former Show Me The Funny winner arrives on Wearside following runs at the Adelaide Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe in the past year, as well as a UK tour that followed his success on ITV’s stand-up comedy competition.

Speaking to Giggle Beats, Monahan said: “The best thing about being a comedian is that you get to perform at festivals full of people up for a good time. And the other great thing is that you get to travel around.

“Everyone should get to go to Sunderland at least once or twice in their lives. Split will be my fifth time in Sunderland – I love the place!”

Joining Monahan on the bill will be Steffen Peddie, Mike Newall and Steve Harris.

Peddie, who stars in the new BBC2 sitcom Hebburn this autumn, returns to Split after a storming set at Ashbrooke Sports Club in 2010. While Stockport export Newall and former North West Comedian of the Year Harris will be making their first appearances at the Sunderland event.

There are fresh faces backstage, too, as Whallop Management replaces The Laughing Penguin as the festival’s official comedy promoters.

Whallop Management director Della Haq added: “Whallop are really looking forward to working with Split this year. After putting on various acts and comedy shows over the years – including the Newcastle/Gateshead festival – we are delighted to be playing a part in such a prestigious event.”

Split Festival enters its fourth year in 2012, with stages for comedy, spoken word and music from the likes of Public Image Ltd, The Futureheads and Field Music. There’s even a food tent. For tickets, see: splitfestival.com.

Here’s the official running order for Saturday’s comedy:

5.30pm MC: Steffen Peddie
5.40pm Mike Newall
6pm MC: Steffen Peddie
6.05pm Steve Harris
6.25pm MC: Steffen Peddie
6.30pm Headliner: Patrick Monahan