Giggle Beats’ 13 most-read in 2013: Hebburn, Peter Capaldi and more
It’s been a busy old year, 2013. Lots of talking points, including series two of Hebburn, the controversial Auf Wiedersehen Pet convention, and most recently the arrival of Vic and Bob’s new studio sitcom, House of Fools. There’s also been plenty to see on the stand-up scene. The Stand has turned the North East comedy scene on its head, bringing some amazingly creative shows to the fore.
Since we’ve had such a canny 12 months, we’ve decided to compile a list of our 13 most-read articles this year, in no particular order. Thanks for reading.
#1 Hadrian’s Wall fundraiser a blistering success
We’ll start with the most cockle-warming story of the year. 20 stand-up comedians, including Patrick Monahan, Gavin Webster and Seymour Mace, raised over £5000 for charity by walking the full length of Hadrian’s Wall. We follow their trek.
#2 David Walliams interview
Appearing at the Labour Party’s annual lecture in South Shields, David Walliams admits he finds politics ‘a bit boring’. Read our interview with the Little Britain star.
#3 Jason Cook wins Journal Culture Award
The Hebburn writer has been on a bit of a roll in 2013, winning awards left, right and centre. This article, about Jason’s Journal Culture Award win, was the most popular of the lot amongst readers. Our story.
#4 Stewart Francis interview
An exclusive, three-part interview here with the ever charismatic Stewart Francis, in which he reveals plans for a new sitcom, a cartoon joke book, and explains why he wants to quit stand-up. Read part one.
#5 Free comedy festival launches in Newcastle
Newcastle’s first free comedy festival debuted in July, with Giggle Beats sponsoring the one-day event. Read.
#6 Pointless live tour plans
Richard Osman announces Pointless live tour. The world goes mental. Read our story.
#7 Darlington Comedy Festival line-up revealed
Sarah Millican, Jason Cook, Lost Voice Guy, Seymour Mace and Pete Firman were amongst the North East comedians taking part in the 2013 Darlington Comedy Festival. Read our exclusive story about the festival.
#8 Simon Munnery interview
This one’s probably our favourite interview of the year, so we’re glad it was popular with you too. Simon Munnery, one of the kings of alternative comedy, speaks to Giggle Beats about his work. Read.
#9 Peter Capaldi Fringe sketch censored
A sketch featuring a puppet of Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker as Doctor Who caused a touch of bother. Yes, it really is as ridiculous as it sounds. Our exclusive.
#10 Fringe show under legal threat
Another Edinburgh Fringe story here, this time about comedian Matt Price, who was warned to pull his 2013 show or face legal action. Find out more.
#11 Auf Wiedersehen, Pet convention: “cattle class” fans angered by email
After charging fans £75 a ticket to meet their idols, organisers of the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet convention tell fans, via email, that they’re not allowed to meet their idols. Our story.
#12 Tim Healy to appear in series two of Hebburn
Speaking of Pet, star Tim Healy made a cameo appearance in series two of Hebburn, and our story about his guest role certainly got you talking. Read.
#13 The Stand charity book
Probably our favourite story of the year. Just a few weeks back, The Stand released a book of Christmas-themed short stories to support Newcastle-based addiction charity, NECA. It’s a great idea, and the book itself made for a lovely little stocking filler. You can read our story here, and Seymour Mace’s contribution here.
Thanks for reading, and all the best for 2014.
