Split Festival 2012: Who’s, Who.
Patrick Monahan | Photo: Ellis O'Brien
There’s not been much said about the comedy line-up at Split Festival this year. In fact, if you spot one of the many festival posters dotted around Wearside’s finest train stations, you’ll see it actually takes second billing to ‘gourmet food’ on the Split line-up. That makes us sad inside.
So in the name of equality, we’ve decided to take you through the entire comedy bill at Ashbrooke Sports Club this weekend, sharing bits and pieces of useless information along the way. There’s also links to credible reviews, as well as interviews with headliner Patrick Monahan and host Steffen Peddie. Read on.
Patrick Monahan
Let’s start at the top. An inexhaustible ball of energy on stage, Pat Monahan is the comedy headliner at Split 2012. Recognise that lovely face of his? That’s because Pat won ITV’s stand-up comedy competition Show Me The Funny last summer and he’s been blowing the pants off shows ever since. A DVD release followed his big win, then a UK tour, as well as runs at the Adelaide Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe. Pat even appeared as part of the BBC’s Let’s Dance For Sport Relief in March 2012, dressed as Beyonce.
Read our interview with Pat here.
Steve Harris
Steve Harris first leapt on stage back in August 1998, and within three months he won the North West Comedian of the Year award. Canny, right? That year he was also a finalist in the BBC’s New Comedy Awards and So You Think You’re Funny? Steve’s supported Peter Kay (remember him?), Lee Evans (sweaty bloke) and Johnny Vegas (monkey on the adverts) on tour, too. Canny.
Mike Newall
He may look – and sound – suspiciously like a third Gallagher brother, but Mike Newall’s far superior in the banter department. Expect offhand tales of a misspent youth from this Stockport export, as well as stories about the nightmares of being a Northerner abroad…in London. “Brilliantly lewd and chock full of chuckles.” That’s a quote from us.
Read our review of Mike here.
Steffen Peddie
An original member of Newcastle Upon Tyne’s Near The Knuckle team with Ross Noble and Gavin Webster, Steffen Peddie has been performing stand-up for almost two decades in the North East. That’s no mean feat, especially considering he’s also squeezed in telly appearances, a few adverts, voiceovers, a wrestling career and just about anything else you can think of. Steffen’s also starring in new BBC2 sitcom Hebburn with last year’s comedy headliner, Jason Cook. Exciting times lie ahead for this larger than life comic – and we can’t wait to watch it unfold.
Read our interview with Steffen here.
