Nine of the UK’s most acclaimed comedians will appear at The Witham in Barnard Castle this summer as Funny Way To Be Comedy presents four work-in-progress evenings ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and forthcoming national tours.
July and August will bring an impressive line-up of household names, award nominees, winners and standout storytellers, giving audiences the chance to see brand-new material before it reaches festival and tour stages.
Peter Dixon, who manages Funny Way To Be Comedy, said: “July is always an exciting month for live comedy, with performers preparing for new tours and Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearances. We’re delighted to welcome such a high-quality mix of established favourites and rising stars to Barnard Castle. It’s one of our strongest summer seasons yet.”
The season opens on Thursday 9th July with a double-header featuring Larry Dean and Brennan Reece.
Larry Dean is a three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee (Best Newcomer in 2015 and Best Show nominee in 2018 and 2022), whose razor-sharp storytelling, disarming honesty and self-deprecating style have made him a favourite with audiences nationwide. Brennan Reece, an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and English Comedian of the Year winner, combines warmth, storytelling and brilliantly observed family chaos in a set that is both heartfelt and hilarious.
On Saturday 18th July, the popular Sneak Peeks format returns with Craig Hill and Scotland’s fast-rising comedy star Connor Burns. Connor will also be joined by special guest Daniel Petrie, winner of the 2023 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Award. Audience members can purchase tickets for individual shows or take advantage of a discounted double-show ticket.
At the end of July, on Saturday 25th, Funny Way To Be Comedy’s annual showcase returns with four comedians performing across a single day: Gareth Mutch, Bilal Zafar, Hayley Ellis and Jess Carrivick.
The season concludes on Friday 21th August with Carl Hutchinson previewing material for his forthcoming tour, ‘Fine Whine’, in an intimate setting. The show has already sold out, highlighting the strong demand for one of the North East’s most popular comedians.
The programme offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience new material in its formative stages, with performers refining routines ahead of major festival appearances and national tours. For comedy fans, it is a chance to enjoy some of the UK’s finest stand-up talent in a unique and up-close environment.
For further information and tickets, head to funnywaytobe.com.
