Comedy fans in Teesside have two chances to catch Canadian-born comedian Katherine Ryan on Sunday 22nd November, as she takes to the stage at Billingham’s Forum Theatre before heading to Yarm’s Princess Alexandra Auditorium for a second show on the same night.
Known for her razor-sharp wit, fearless honesty and distinctive take on modern life, Katherine has become one of the UK’s most recognisable comedy voices. Television audiences will know her from panel shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Would I Lie to You?, while her victory on Taskmaster in 2016 cemented her reputation for quick thinking and formidable comic presence.
Her screen work also includes the Netflix stand-up specials In Trouble and Glitter Room, alongside The Duchess, the sitcom she created, wrote and starred in. Across stand-up and television, Katherine tackles relationships, family life and celebrity culture with the confidence to say what others might leave unsaid.
Refreshingly open about her own experiences, she frequently draws on her personal life to explore the absurdities of relationships, parenthood and the expectations placed on women. Her comedy balances sharp observations with an unapologetic willingness to tackle subjects that might make audiences squirm, finding humour in everyday situations as well as more uncomfortable truths.
This combination of confidence, honesty and an instinct for finding the funny side of difficult subjects has helped Katherine build a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic.
The evening begins in Billingham with The Comedy Forum, where Katherine will headline (yet open) a bill featuring award-winning compere Danny McLoughlin, rising comic Faizan Shah and Scottish stand-up Mark Nelson. Danny is one of the circuit’s sought-after hosts, while Faizan’s deadpan delivery and Mark’s darker humour bring contrasting styles to the line-up.
Katherine then heads to Yarm to headline Ripping Yarms Comedy Club. Hosted by Jason Cook, the Hebburn comedian and BBC Two writer, the show also features Mark Nelson and Josephine Lacey, whose energetic, straight-talking style has established her as a name to watch.
With appearances at both venues, Teesside comedy fans have two opportunities to catch one of the UK’s best-known stand-ups, with a different supporting line-up at each show. Whether you choose Billingham or Yarm, expect sharp observations, fearless punchlines and plenty of laughs.
For further information and tickets, head to thepaaonline.org and forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk.
