Hilarity Bites Comedy Club feat. Chris Washington, Aaron Simmonds, and host Jon Pearson

Show details:

Chris Washington

Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee - 2017

As seen on Mock The Week (BBC2), Live From The BBC (BBC1), House of Games (BBC2) and as heard on Have A Word Podcast, and The Stand up Sketch Show. As seen as tour support for Kevin Bridges, along with Milton Jones and Jason Manford.

Chris began performing stand up comedy in July 2012, and after five years, several hundred gigs for a host of reputable promoters up and down the country, and a well received Edinburgh debut show, he is fast becoming one of the most sought after new acts on the circuit.

In his early days Chris made the finals of several new act competitions, and was spotted by Jason Manford, who selected him to support him on several tour dates. With a cheeky Northern charm and hilarious tales it’s clear to see why Chris is flying up the comedy ladder.

“A master of storytelling” - ★★★★ - The Times

“a mainstream comedy star in the making” - ★★★★ - Chortle

“if you like your comedy funny, Washington’s your man” - ★★★★ - Joe.co.uk

 

Aaron Simmonds

Aaron Simmonds has been failing to stand up for 32 years; luckily he is far better at comedy than standing up. Aaron has appeared on A-Z Horror Stories (Sky Studios), Russell Howard Hour (Sky), Undeniable (Comedy Central), Guessable (Comedy Central), and has been heard on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio Scotland. Aaron offers sharply-observed comedy which is grounded in his disability, but is by no means limited by it.

Aaron performed his critically-acclaimed debut shows, Disabled Coconut and Hot Wheels, at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and 2022. He was an Amused Moose Comedy Award Best Show finalist and was nominated for Best Comedy Show in the Broadway World UK Edinburgh Fringe Awards in 2019.

In 2023, Aaron then decided to embark on his biggest challenge yet, perform stand-up whilst standing up! Baby Steps at that year’s Edinburgh Fringe received rave reviews and sold-out shows, and was long-listed for the ISH Edinburgh Best Comedy Show.

“Amiable, likeable, and a commanding presence on stage, Aaron Simmonds is an exciting talent” - ★★★★ - Broadway Baby

“Weaves an overarching story into multiple anecdotes, calling back to them masterfully throughout the hour” - ★★★★ - The Wee Review

“Simmonds deals with his disability via disarmingly graphic humour, born of a self-confidence and positive spirit that enables him to poke fun at himself” - ★★★★ - Jewish Renaissance

 

Jon Pearson

Jon began standup comedy in 2010, with his first performance at Birmingham’s Highlight Comedy Club. Cut to the present and Jon has become a regular face on the circuit, performing at prestigious clubs such as The Glee, The Boat Show & The Comedy Store, Jon’s career has even taken him overseas with performances in Spain, Norway and even as far away as Wigan (it is like being on another planet).

Jon is also a familiar face on at comedy festivals across the UK having taken three solo shows to the Leicester, Nottingham & Edinburgh festivals with the highlight of the all coming in the form of a sold out show at his home town Melton Theatre in Melton Mowbray.

Jon has also provided tour support for Darren Harriot on his UK 2018/2019 tour and Lucy Porter on her UK 2017 tour. Jon’s laid back storytelling has audiences hanging on his every word. With tales based around his own life experiences, his anecdotes are relatable and certain to have audiences in hysterics.

“Very tall and hugely funny” - Lucy Porter

“Brilliant” - Shropshire Star

“A natural ability for working an audience” - EdFringeReview.com

 

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

 

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.

Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

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Timings

Doors open: 7:30pm
Show starts: 8pm

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Buy tickets:

Tickets for this show can be bought online at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk, in person from Bishop Auckland Town Hall, or telephone 03000 269 524.