Dane Baptiste confirmed as headliner of Comedy Night in aid of local charity

Fancy a feel-good laugh? You’re in luck, as tickets are now on sale for a comedy night with a cause. Taking place at The Stand Comedy Club on Monday 19 November, the Men’s Comedy Night is in aid of Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland – and it’s one not to be missed!

The entire evening will be hosted by the fabulous, Lou Conran – superlative storyteller and a regular on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. A habitual performer at the Edinburgh Fringe, Conran will ensure the audience is in good hands – thanks to her masterful ability to tease audience members while becoming their best friend for the evening.

Headlining on the night is London-born stand up, Dane Baptiste. Original, provocative and exceptionally prolific, Baptiste has been hailed as one of the most exciting acts to break the circuit in years. Making history in 2014 as the first black British act to be nominated for a Comedy Award at the Fringe, Baptiste’s long list of credits include hosting Live at the Apollo on BBC Two and Live from the Comedy Store on Comedy Central; Tonight at the London Palladium; BBC Two’s Mock the Week; Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as his own BBC sitcom, Sunny D. In 2018, Baptiste set out on a massive World Tour with his smash hit stand up hour, G.O.D. (Gold. Oil. Drugs.) and now, the critically-acclaimed comic is set to delight at Newcastle’s very own The Stand Comedy Club.

Says Dane Baptiste:

“I’m very excited to be part of this show, and for the opportunity to raise awareness for this issue. Over 70% of women are subjected to some form of sexual trauma before they’re 19, and we need to address and stop all sexual abuse. Hopefully, we can provide enough support and laughter to help raise spirits and awareness!”

Joining Baptiste is Hal Branson, an established comedian on the North East comedy circuit. Fresh from a hugely successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Branson has been described by NARC Magazine as ‘effortlessly watchable’ and counts The Huffington post amongst his fans. With recent support slots for Dylan Moran and Sam Simmons, Branson is guaranteed to win audiences over with his self-referential storytelling and heart-warming wordplay.

Says Hal Branson:

“I’m very honoured to be involved in this event, highlighting the incredible work of this amazing charity. In the current climate it’s really important that awareness is raised around the issues that Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland deal with, and the support they offer to people in community who have suffered. The line up of comedians for the evening are a must see and it’s a great opportunity to raise money and enjoy a great night’s entertainment.”

Following on from Branson is former professional wrestler-turned-comedian, Lee Kyle. Described by the BBC as a ‘top up-and-coming comedy performer,’ Kyle has just returned from his third Fringe performance and, off the back of his hugely successful book, Spandex Ballet – How I Wasted My Twenties Wrestling, will bring his delightful silliness to Newcastle this International Men’s Day.

Third on the bill is Gavin Webster, who started his comedy career as half of a double-act, before going solo in 1993. Webster was a regular team captain in Channel 4’s Does Doug Know? and is an established name on the comedy circuit. Named UK Circuit Comedian of the Year in 2014 (as voted for by fellow professional comics), Webster has supported the likes of Lee Evans, Jack Dee and Phill Jupitus on tour. With no less than 11 stints at the Fringe, Webster is somewhat of a Geordie legend when it comes to comedy.

Says Gavin Webster:

“It’s a real honour to be supporting Rape Crisis once again; we’ve worked together once before, and they were really supportive and friendly, so it always warms your heart that they ask you to come back and help with more fundraising! Obviously, it’s a fine cause – that goes without saying – but it’s a proper good bill of great comics, and a varied bill at that. I’ll certainly be doing lots of new stuff, but I’ll mix it up with some of my greatest hits, as well. Do come along; you’re supporting something decent and worthwhile!”

The Men’s Comedy Night is just one of a string of events, throughout 2018, aiming to raise funds for Newcastle-based charity, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland. Now in their 40^th year, the charity is looking to raise £40,000 in 2018, enabling them to continue their work with women and girls affected by sexual violence.

The Men’s Comedy Night will take place on Monday 19 November from 7pm – 10pm at The Stand Comedy Club, 31 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EW. Tickets are £20 for general admission and £15 for concessions. Please note that an additional Eventbrite Booking Fee will be charged. Tickets: www.2018comedy.co.uk.

Website: https://rctn.org.uk

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