Darlington Comedy Festival

Scott Bennett – “Naturally hilarious, the highlight of the evening” – ★★★★ – Broadway Baby

George Rigden – “Rigden is the result of a genetic mash-up between Mitch Benn and Tim Key, perhaps with a few strands of Ricky Gervais’s DNA thrown in… Very funny stuff” – Chortle

Host Freddy Quinne – “An impeccable set… a great storyteller with immense potential” – Worksop Guardian

This show will also feature a newer act in the middle.

Work In Progress shows:

Rob Mulholland – “If you only see one comedian this month, make it Rob Mulholland” – The Skinny

I See You: Live – “The jokes are as cruel as they are funny, ie, very” – Chortle

Work In Progress shows:

John Hastings – “A strong calling card for a thoughtful and observant comic with enjoyably wry sensibilities” – Chortle

Brennan Reece – “Unstoppable force” – Chortle

Work In Progress shows:

Patrick Monahan – “Thought provoking, hilarious. A Fringe Legend!” – The Mirror

Rob Rouse – “He’s a man with genuinely funny bones” – Sunday Times

Work In Progress shows:

Dave Johns – “He shifts from the sublime, to genius, to uproar in the blink of an eye – An extremely entertaining hour” – The Guardian

Andrew Ryan – “well-paced, well written show that delivers plenty of laughs” – ★★★★ – The Mirror

The Footbaaaall Show – Join Gavin Webster and Lee Kyle for the only topical north east football comedy show. Expect local lampooning of the regions clubs, great football nostalgia and anecdotes and even a sing song at the end. With great guests including a couple of ex-footballing legends.

Work In Progress shows:

Andy Fury – “An absolute genius of a comedian” – BBC

Chris Washington – “A comic with full potential and a bright future” – Arts Award Voice

Work In Progress shows:

Carl Hutchinson – “An absolute must… the next big thing!” – The Skinny

Will Duggan – “A welcome addition to the comedy world” – The List

Work In Progress shows:

Bec Hill – “Brilliantly conceived, this is one of the stand-out shows in this year’s comedy programme” – ★★★★★ – EdinburghGuide.com

Tiernan Douieb – “Douieb’s satire is sharp, warm and above all, very, very funny” – ★★★★ – Three Weeks

In June and July 2017 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the tenth year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy competition.

Host Andy Fury – “An absolute genius of a comedian” – BBC

Work In Progress shows:

Tom Houghton – “Hilarious: one of my favourites – an utter class-hole and bloody funny” – Daniel Sloss

Steve Bugeja – “Plentiful jokes and compelling storytelling” – The Scotsman