Eleven top comedians will try out their brand-new shows in Barnard Castle ahead of the Edinburgh Festival, bringing a preview of some of the best upcoming comedy talent.
The Barnard Castle Comedy Club, presented by Funny Way To Be, has been presenting Edinburgh previews each year since its formation fifteen years ago. This year is no exception, with eleven top TV comedians testing out their new material across four evenings at The Witham.
The first double bill features Sam Nicoresti and James Trickey, who will perform their brand-new material on Thursday 29th May. These two work-in-progress shows are curated by Mark Watson, whose company will be promoting these artists at the Edinburgh Festival. This is set to be a truly Fringe-style double bill, offering one of the closest experiences to visiting the Scottish capital.
On Wednesday 25th June, the line-up includes Joe Kent Walters and Jack Gleadow. Joe is a multi-award-winning comedian and actor, known for his idiosyncratic style of outrageous character comedy, particularly through his creation Frankie Monroe.
Peter Dixon of Funny Way To Be Comedy said: “This show is likely to be a highlight of our whole year. We’ve seen Joe Kent Walters perform several times and would describe him as the most exciting and promising act on the comedy circuit. On top of that, we also have the brilliant Jack Gleadow, who smashed it when he recently visited us supporting Clinton Baptiste.”
Following his sell-out cult-hit horror debut Voices Of Evil, Lachlan Werner will perform WonderTwunk on Friday 27th June. Lachlan is a ventriloquist who blends his skill into unconventional storytelling. The show promises brilliant theatre and comedy.
On Saturday 19 July, the renowned MZA Edinburgh Fringe “Comedy Sneak Peeks” previews return to the North East for a second year, featuring top UK headlining comedians off notes and adrenaline. Craig Hill and Connor Burns, both hugely popular in Edinburgh, will visit Barnard Castle for a night of uproarious stand-up.
The Saturday before the Edinburgh Festival, 26th July, will feature four one-hour-long shows starting at 5.00pm. First up is Eric Rushton, winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year and the 2023 Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award. Next is award-winning comedian (and cult figure since her appearance as Doom in Doctor Who’s Doom’s Day) Sooz Kempner. Marjolein Robertson, who sold out both her 2023 and 2024 Fringe runs, takes the 8.00pm slot, followed by one of the North East’s top comedians, Gavin Webster.
For further information and tickets, head to funnywaytobe.com.
