Residents of Shildon could soon be soaking up some top notch stand-up as popular North East comedy club Hilarity Bites plans to pilot live comedy nights at the town’s historic Railway Institute on Redworth Road.
The well-established comedy promoter, which already stages successful shows in places including Darlington, Reeth, Ripon and Bishop Auckland, is hoping to bring its trademark mix of regional humour, rising stars and nationally recognised acts to the town for the very first time to test Shildon’s appetite for having its funny bones tickled.
Known for showcasing some of the north east’s best emerging comedy talent alongside familiar faces from television, radio and the live circuit, Hilarity Bites believes Shildon audiences could be more than ready for a regular night of laughter. Organisers say the pilot event, which will be compered by the hilarious Catherine Young, and feature Anth Young, Kelly Rickard and, topping the bill fresh from appearances on “Mock the Week,” Chris Washington, is about more than just comedy — it is about bringing people together, creating new nights out in the town and giving local people “a reason to smile.”
Institute Chair, Dave Reynolds said, “We’re overjoyed that the Hilarity Bites team have chosen to give Shildon, and the Stute, a go – heaven knows we need to laugh a little given how things are in the world right now. This could be just the tonic.”
Asked what has made Hilarity Bites so successful in the regional comedy scene, promoter Neil Jollie told us that, “Since starting Hilarity Bites in 2007, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming some of the biggest acts on the UK circuit to the North-East, often long before they were famous; from showcasing John Bishop in a 50-seat vegetarian restaurant, to giving Chris Ramsey one of his first paid gigs, and working in big theatres with the likes of Jimmy Carr and Al Murray. In our early-years we’ve also welcomed famous comedians such as Fern Brady, Richard Gadd (creator and star of Baby Reindeer), and Kiri Pritchard-McLean as entrants to our new act competition. We’ve always had an eye for brilliant talent, and it’s a real pleasure to bring that talent to brilliant audiences in the North-East.”
Tickets for the pilot show, with doors opening at 7pm on Friday 5 June, cost just £11 for four superbly funny acts, and can be booked direct through the Hilarity Bites website which also showcases their other shows. Alternatively a limited number of tickets are available from the Railway Institute if you’re able to drop by.
If successful, the pilot could pave the way for regular comedy evenings at the Institute, adding yet another string to the bow of one of Shildon’s best-loved community venues.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
