Newcastle comedy writer Holly Johnson has won one of the North East’s most prestigious awards for emerging talent, with her winning sketch potentially set to entertain thousands at the next Sunday for Sammy arena show.
Holly received the Clement & La Frenais Award for her comedy sketch Geordie Bond at Sketch for Sammy 2026, held at The Exchange 1856 in North Shields, where her work impressed audiences at the popular event.
The award recognises emerging comedy-writing talent, with Holly now having the opportunity to see her work considered for inclusion in the 2028 Sunday for Sammy arena production, affectionately known as the Geordie Command Performance.
Her success came after six shortlisted sketches were performed live, following professional mentoring designed to help the writers develop their ideas and bring their work from the page to the stage.
The competition was just one part of a packed night of entertainment, with singer Nev Clay, Charlie Hardwick’s band Kiss, and comedy duo Jack and Sam also keeping the audience entertained.
Hosted by Cal Halbert and Kelly Rickard, the event celebrated the region’s enduring reputation for comedy and performance while giving new writers a platform to showcase their talent.
Holly had previously described reaching the final as a dream come true, saying it was an opportunity to work with “a proper Geordie institution”.
The other finalists were Sam Bell with Finding the New Wera, Jake Wilson Craw with Modern Monster Dating, Georgia Nicholson with Aaall Rise, Ian McCormick and Ian Greatbatch with Black Tongue Al, and Andy Mather with Hang Out Me Smalls.
The winner was chosen by a judging panel featuring actor Charlie Hardwick, Tim Healy, industry agent Lou Coel and musician Billy Mitchell.
Holly was delighted to win the prestigious Clement & La Frenais Award which takes its name from the celebrated writing partnership of Dick Clement and North East-born Ian La Frenais, whose credits include some of British television and film comedy’s best-known productions.
“‘I’m so thrilled to have won the Sketch for Sammy competition, “said Holly.
“I still can’t quite believe it! Sunday for Sammy is such an incredible charity that does amazing work for our region and I’m so proud to have been a part of this. The actors and production team were first class and really brought the sketch to life, I was blown away watching it performed live.”
Sketch for Sammy is part of the work of the Sunday for Sammy Trust, established to celebrate the life and legacy of actor Sammy Johnson and raise money to support emerging talent in the North East entertainment industry.
The competition offers aspiring writers a valuable opportunity to gain professional experience, develop their craft and potentially reach a much bigger audience.