Edinburgh Fringe previews coming to Barnard Castle this summer

The Funny Way To Be Comedy Club will host four evenings of new material at The Witham in Barnard Castle throughout July and August.

Acts will include established names and rising stars as they prepare for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and upcoming UK tours.

Craig Hill (Image: Steve Ullathorne)

Peter Dixon, who manages Funny Way To Be Comedy, said: “July is always an exciting month for live comedy, with performers preparing for new tours and Edinburgh Fringe appearances.

We’re delighted to welcome such a high-quality mix of established favourites and rising stars to Barnard Castle.

It’s one of our strongest summer seasons yet.”

Brennan Reece (Image: Supplied)

The season kicks off on Thursday, July 9, with a double bill featuring Larry Dean and Brennan Reece.

Dean is a three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee known for his sharp storytelling and self-deprecating humour.

Reece, an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and winner of English Comedian of the Year, is known for his heartfelt routines and comedic family tales.

Gareth Mutch (Image: Supplied)

On Saturday, July 18, the popular Sneak Peeks format returns with Scottish comedians Craig Hill and Connor Burns.

They will be joined by special guest Daniel Petrie, winner of the 2023 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year.

Later in the month, on Saturday, July 28, Funny Way To Be Comedy’s annual showcase will feature four performers in one day: Gareth Mutch, Bilal Zafar, Hayley Ellis, and Jess Carrivick.

Larry Dean (Image: Supplied)

Discounted day tickets are on sale until the end of June, after which individual show tickets will be available.

Jess Carrivick (Image: Supplied)

The season wraps up on Friday, August 21, with Carl Hutchinson previewing material for his forthcoming Fine Whine tour.

Tickets for Hutchinson’s show have already sold out.

Tickets for all other performances are still available through the Funny Way To Be Comedy website.

The full programme and booking details can be found at www.funnywaytobe.com.

Hayley Ellis (Image: Supplied)

Connor Burns (Image: Melody Joy Main)