A search for the North East’s funniest comedy scriptwriters is reaching its grand finale in North Shields.
The final will take place on Sunday 12 October 2025 at 7.30pm in the beautiful surroundings of The Exchange 1856 on Howard Street. Tickets are just £10, offering an affordable evening of top-quality North East comedy and entertainment.
Supported by the team behind the much-loved Sunday for Sammy shows, the competition invited aspiring writers to submit original comedy sketches for the chance to see their work performed by a professional cast.
“We’re thrilled to bring back A Sketch for Sammy as part of our mission to uncover and support fresh comedy talent,” said Ray Laidlaw, producer of the Sunday for Sammy show, which will return to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on 15th February 2026.
The event will be presented by Kelly Rickard and Cal Halbert with the evening promising a bumper brew of brand-new sketches, stand-up and songs. It’s a chance to see fresh comedy talent take to the stage alongside some familiar faces – all in the spirit of supporting Sunday for Sammy and the next generation of North East creatives.
This year’s final features six original sketches, each bringing its own unique twist on life in the region. Without giving too much away the sketches include Julie Meredith’s Buskers, Hendrika Segura Bigg’s Peeping Toms, Georgia Nicholson’s Blind Gate’sheed, Janet Plater’s Main Gate, Katy Swainston’s BBC Breakfast, and Vanessa Karon and Paul Dunn’s Metro Station Announcements. In addition to the sketches, there will be performances from Your Aunt Fanny and Metroland plus musical group Western Quay as well as comedy with hosts Cal Halbert and Kelly Rickard.
Show producer Ray Laidlaw added:
“This is a great opportunity to see fresh sketches performed by professional actors in front of a live audience. Who knows, perhaps the winner may even have their work put into the Arena show in February?”
Sunday for Sammy is a charitable trust established in memory of much-loved North East actor Sammy Johnson, star of Spender and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. The charity raises funds through biennial concerts at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, featuring some of the region’s most celebrated entertainers including Chris and Rosie Ramsey, Jill Halfpenny, Joe McElderry and Jason Cook.
Proceeds are used to support emerging creative talent across the North East, helping young performers access training, equipment, and opportunities to build careers in music, theatre, comedy, and film.
The next full-scale Sunday for Sammy concert takes place at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle, on Saturday 15 February 2025. www.utilitaarena.co.uk/events/detail/sunday-for-sammy
