Andrew Dipper

Casting call for North East comedy actors

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Gavin Webster – pictured – hosted the first ever Laffalang.

If you’ve ever thought of acting in comedy or doing stand-up but didn’t know where to go, the producer of the hugely popular Laffalang is looking for people of all ages who have comic timing and are keen to have fun.

Gareth Hunter of Ion Productions has directed and produced three successful Laffalang shows, with the fourth, the Valentine Laffalang, happening on February 13 and 14.

He explained: “The Laffalang started at the Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle in December 2013. Since then it has played at the Westovian Theatre in South Shields and audiences are growing; the Christmas Laffalang in December attracted 400 people.

“The show comprises sketches written by Ed Waugh, one of the region’s best known playwright’s, and they are linked by a top stand-up comic.

“So far they’ve been hosted by Gavin Webster, Micky Cochrane and Mike Milligan. The Valentine Laffalang is being fronted by stand-up Steffen Peddie.”

Gareth added: “Our actors are being seen by industry professionals and reviewers and some are moving on to new, exciting work in the region and nationally so we are keen to find new people who can fit into the sketches or who have a few minutes of stand-up material and would like to perform in public.”

Gareth, who produces seven professional shows a year, added: “Not only am I on the lookout for new talent but Ed’s plays that he writes with Trevor Wood, are produced nationally and internationally, so this is a fantastic opportunity.”

The auditions, to be held in March, will involve performing sketches with regular Laffalang cast members.

Gareth added: “Anyone interested in auditioning should get in touch or come along to the Valentine Laffalang on February 13 or 14 to get an idea of what the shows are like.

“Once we’ve seen how many people are interested we’ll sort out a day and venue.”

Gareth Hunter can be contacted on [email protected]