The Turbinia, Newton Aycliffe

From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy competition.

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

From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy competition.

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

Danny Posthill – Britain’s Got Talent finalist. “What a talented comedian” – Tim Vine

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 Rick Molland – “perfect for the role of compere” – Three Weeks

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

From June-August 2018 the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year competition returns, for the eleventh year, as the North-East’s biggest and longest running comedy competition.

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

Paul ‘Silky’ White: Singer, Songwriter, Comedian, Spy…

24 years performing internationally would be a great cover, wouldn’t it? Free-wheeling stand up and barnstorming songs. No espionage.

“This is a performer whose genuine charm captures his crowd. I urge you to go and see for yourself” – ★★★★ – The Herald

This show will also feature support from Tudor Owen, and more.

Martin Mor – “Martin is the act that has influenced me the most, the UK comedy circuit would not be the same without him” – Frankie Boyle

Matt Stellingwerf – “Stellingwerf’s comedy is intelligent, clever and thoroughly researched…all the while being really likeable” – Libel

Host Lou Conran – “As filthy as she is fabulous, Lou Conran is a superlative storyteller” – Edinburgh Guide

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

Allyson June Smith – “Simply one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever worked with” – Jason Manford

Jamie Dalgleish – “Full of energy and instantly likeable” – Edinburgh Festival Journal

Host Rob Mulholland – “Perfect delivery… had the audience bursting into spontaneous applause” – York Press

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

Russell Hicks – “Hicks has a sharp wit.. the pessimism of Jack Dee mixed with the deadpan aggression of Denis Leary. A riproaring night of tough love from a witty comedian” – ★★★★ – Broadway Baby

Paul Pirie – “a hilarious rubber faced clown” – The Scotsman

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.

As part of Darlington Comedy Festival.

Tom Taylor: Abridged (Work in Progress) – As heard on BBC Radio 4. Tour support for Simon Munnery, John Kearns and Abandoman. Musical Comedy Awards Audience Favourite winner. “Excellent… beautifully daft” – Sunday Times

Matt Winning: Climate Strange (Work in Progress) – As seen as the Environmental Correspondent on ‘Unspun with Matt Forde’ (Dave). “Winning’s sharp wit and intelligence allows him to educate as he entertains” – Sunday Post

Lauren Pattison: Peachy (Work in Progress) – Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer Nominee 2017. “Razor wit and brutal honesty… outstanding” – ★★★★★ – The List

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

This show will also feature support from several new acts, and established acts performing new material.

As part of Darlington Comedy Festival.

Scott Bennett: Leap Year (Work in Progress) – Tipped by Chortle as “One to Watch in 2018”, Rob Brydon tour support, BBC News Quiz Writer, and Chris Ramsey show writer. “Great material, great delivery, a very funny man” – Rob Brydon

Hal Branson: MBOLO (Work in Progress) – The debut hour from one of comedy’s rising stars. “Clever, likeable and with a great eye for detail, effortlessly watchable” – NARC