I’ll drink to that: Jack Daniel’s to back Newcastle comedy night

The Jack Daniel's Comedy Show

A North East promoter aims to put Newcastle on the global map when she launches a new comedy night backed by the world’s best selling whiskey brand.

Comedian Cheish Merryweather has teamed up with American liquor giants Jack Daniel’s to book a series of regular comedy nights at Tyneside’s lavish Georgian building, The Assembly Rooms.

The Jack Daniel’s Comedy Show launches on Friday 9^th November, headlined by Paul Sneddon’s character Vladimir McTavish. The club will then run weekly until the turn of the year, before the likes of Stephen Carlin, Dana Alexander and Naz Osmanoglu travel to Newcastle for a series of shows in the spring.

“It felt like a stupid gamble to put the idea forward to Jack Daniel’s,” says Merryweather, who works as a PR & Marketing Executive by day. “I went in to pitch with no acts booked, no venue, no tickets sold, no marketing strategy; just a poster, a one year plan and a lot of enthusiasm and sold it to them on the spot. They loved the idea and back me 100%.

“The sponsorship gives us distinction and brand familiarity; everyone loves Jack and everyone loves to laugh – I think we’re the perfect team.”

Alongside their professional shows, Merryweather has also revealed plans for an open-mic night on Sundays, with a points card system to judge comedians. However unlike other gigs in the region, she promises progression for new acts that impress on the night.

“The prize for the best rated comic is paid weekend work with the Jack Daniel’s Comedy Show and a chance to perform in the Christmas showcase as the Best of the Jack Daniel’s Newcomers. It’s only £1 entry on the night, so I’m hoping it’ll be as popular as our professional bills.

“I’ve seen 100 different venues and they all operate in very different ways. I took a little bit of something away from everywhere I gigged and decided to make my own night with the idea of, ‘What kind of night would I love to perform at?’ I want all the performers and audience members to go away that night thinking, Wow, I’m really glad I was a part of that.”

Located in the centre of Newcastle, The Assembly Rooms is just ten minutes’ walk from The Stand, The Hyena and The Grinning Idiot’s new venture at the Theatre Royal, all of which clash with her night. One local promoter has described the area as “a very limited pool of customers”, however Merryweather does not believe the Jack Daniel’s Comedy Show will impede other clubs.

“A lot of people ask me, “Well, aren’t you in competition with each other?” We’re not in competition with each other. I’ve had great support from The Stand Comedy Club for my night.”

She added: “I think we’re all doing our part to promote successful, good quality and professional shows in Newcastle, and hopefully we’re making a genuine stamp on the city as the place to be for the best live comedy around.”

More details about the night can be found on the Jack Daniel’s Comedy Show Facebook page. Their official website launches on 9^th October: jackdanielscomedyshow.co.uk