Dave back in funny mode
BARBARA HODGSON HAS NEWS ON THE RETURN OF COMEDY FESTIVAL JESTERVAL
JESTERVAL is making a comeback this summer with a line-up of top comics including Patrick Monahan and local favourite Gavin Webster.
The North East’s hit comedy festival has announced its return in July with a laugh-a-minute mix of familiar TV faces, rising stars and Jesterval regulars - and there are plenty more names yet to be revealed.
Among those already signed up are Monahan, who makes a return to Jesterval; The Wright Stuff regular Zoe Lyon; stand-up poet Kate Fox and I, Daniel Blake star Dave Johns.
Johns, a well-known comedian before he shot into the international spotlight in Ken Loach’s awardwinner, won best actor at the British Independent Film Awards for his moving role in the Newcastle-set film. But he will be back in funny mode in his new show called - in a nod to his on-screen character - I Stand Up.
Also joining him in the programme will be Gary Delaney; Sunderland’s Matt Reed, and Luisa Omielan who had a date at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House in November and will be back with her new show Politics for Bitches.
The festival will take place in Baltic Square on Gateshead Quayside from July 14 until August 6 and, following its launch with a comedy gala, other highlights will include a gin festival with burlesque; immersive cinema experiences and DJs upping the ante.
Organisers are inviting audiences to “come join us for fun summer days and long, hot summer nights” so it will be fingers crossed for good weather although the stand-up action will take place in the special “Spielgeltent”.
The programme will play out throughout days and evenings and there will be plenty for young ones too, with comic Lee Kyle hosting comedy sessions for children as well as storytelling, crafts and a family carnival day.
The festival, which is making a return as part of Q Festival in collaboration with Gateshead Council, will also be a chance for comedy lovers to check out new show previews by Webster and Mitch Benn ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Acts also on the line-up so far are Sophie Willan; Sara Pascoe; The Kagools; Martin Mor; Howard Read; Rob Broderick; Big Howard Little Howard; Mike Gunn; Mick Ferry; Paul Foot, Johnny Pelham; Cal Herbert; Scott Gibson and Kate Lucas.
But there are more to be announced so keep an eye out at www.jesterval.com for the full programme and get ready to snap up tickets which will be going on sale from April 1.