Full line-up revealed for Jesting About 3

Pictured: Bob Mortimer spearheaded the last Jesting About campaign in 2011.

After four months of searching for the North East’s next comedy stars, Giggle Beats can reveal the final line-up for the latest series of Jesting About.

Now on its third outing, the comedy project that actively promotes home-grown regional talent will showcase over 20 talented comedians across two nights at Newcastle’s Live Theatre.

These performances – a mix of stand-up, musical, poetic and sketch comedy – are to be recorded for a six-part series to be broadcast on BBC Newcastle from June onwards.

The first recording on Sunday 12 April will feature Sammy Dobson, Barry Fox, Lewis Gray, Mark Kennedy, Rahul Kohli, Pipe Riot, Katherine Tanney, Funny Team, Katie Yossarian, Alfie Joey and Cal Halbert.

And Hal Branson, David Callaghan, Alexander Jackson, Julian Lee, Nicola Mantalios-Lovett, Rowan McCabe, Catherine Scott, John Whale and Nat Wicks will perform on Monday 13 April.

Sketch groups Hot Gulp and Silly Billies have provided studio recorded sketches for the series, while established North East acts like Jason Cook, Ross Noble and Chris Ramsey are also involved with Jesting About 3.

And on top of that, Vic and Bob have donated their skills in specially recorded i-dents for BBC Newcastle.

Producer Steve Drayton said: “Taking to the pubs and clubs in search of comedy has been a heartening experience.

“There are a lot of people trying their hand at comedy, many still in development.

“We’ve found talent in all kinds of places – not just at comedy clubs.

“For years women have been under represented in the world of comedy – with Jesting About we’ve discovered six women comedians so hopefully we’re getting some balance along the way.

“The great thing about Jesting About is seeing a performer for the first time and knowing that they’d work well on the radio.

“There are some brilliant comedians out there, and hopefully giving them a platform on BBC Newcastle will give them a step up the showbiz ladder.”

The shows take place on 12/13 April at 8pm in the Live Theatre’s Studio room. Tickets are free on a first come first served basis and available via the Live Theatre from today.