First Washy Comedy festival at Arts Centre Washington

The inaugural Washy Comedy Festival will run from May 21 to May 23 at Arts Centre Washington.

It promises a packed programme of laughter with stand-up, solo shows and family entertainment featuring talent from across the region.

Lee Kyle, comedian and co-organiser of the festival from the not-for-profit comedy co-operative Felt Nowt, said: “It’s going to be great – I’m beyond excited.

“A couple of us were doing regular solo shows at Arts Centre Washington and we got talking and it’s such a lovely venue we realised it would be perfect for a festival.

“That’s where the idea came from and we’re delighted with the line-up we’ve pulled together.”

Matt Reed (Image: Supplied)

Headlining the festival is award-winning comedian Matt Reed with his latest show Stalked.

The show dives into the surreal reality of being relentlessly pursued by an over-enthusiastic fan, blending tension, absurdity and razor-sharp humour.

Reed, originally from Sunderland, will take to the stage on Saturday, May 23 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £13.

Mr Kyle said: “Matt has a really big following and this show is brilliant and a bit different.”

Other highlights include Elaine Robertson’s Edinburgh Fringe-winning show Delulu, which explores self-belief, delusion and navigating modern life, including the fine line between confidence and complete fantasy.

Robertson will perform on Friday, May 22 at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £10.

Alex Redman (Image: Supplied)

Alex Redman will perform on Thursday, May 21 with her show Sunshine Space Cadet. For her show Alex combs through the eccentricities of life, her sunny disposition, mental illness and the conflict that comes with being an oddball whilst also desperately wanting to be liked.

Tickets for Redman’s performance are £10.

Friday’s programme also includes the Babes in Arms Comedy Club at 1pm, hosted by Nicola Mantalios and Kelly Rickard.

The show is designed for parents and carers to enjoy stand-up comedy in a baby-friendly environment.

Tickets are £8.

Mr Kyle will also be performing with his Giant Comedy Show for Families Who Aren’t Boring.

His high-energy performance mixes stand-up and spontaneous audience interaction. It’s family entertainment with an edge – fast, funny and anything but ordinary.

His show will be on Saturday, May 23 at 2pm, with tickets costing £7.

He said: “It’s a show for kids, but I treat them as adults and treat the adults as kids.

“It’s a bit of fun, a bit naughty but a space where the kids can forget about school and just enjoy themselves.”