To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Reasons to Stay Alive Matt Haig returns for a special evening of conversation. Reflecting back on the past 10 years since the original publication as well as how this title has informed Matts fiction writing - this evening promises to delight all fans of this bestselling author. Like millions of others, Matt Haig has experienced the depths of depression. This is the account of his breakdown and subsequent recovery from suicidal despair and the lessons he learned. The story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over life-threatening mental illness and learned to live again. Moving, funny and even joyous, this is more than a memoir. A number one bestseller that helped change the conversation on mental illness. It offers a raw but hopeful insight on depression and panic disorder - whether you've experienced it yourself, or love someone who has. It's a story of learning about life through the toughest times, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments there are reasons to stay alive.

Artist and comedian Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves) returns to Newcastle with a new exhibition celebrating Northumbrian birdlife and landmarks: Knot Twister Prologue This fourth solo exhibition will showcase Moir’s ongoing fascination with the natural world, with a particular focus on the birds and landmarks of the Northumbrian and North East region. Visitors can expect to see expressive new works featuring puffins, kittiwakes and other distinctive local species, alongside pieces that reflect Moir’s signature surrealist and humorous style.

ShellShock! Improv Live brings you barrels of laughs inspired by your suggestions! ShellShock! Improv Live is a barrel of laughs packed into a variety of action-packed scenes. Each scene will be based entirely on your suggestions and made up on the spot! We aim to push our performers for your entertainment, whether they can speak only a word at a time or have to embody every piece of furniture in a single room at once. There are plenty of laughs waiting, whether youd like to sit and giggle at the back or take part by giving us some smashing suggestions. Come and get to know us through our ShellShock! Improv Live!

The Times Top 3 Rising Stars of Fringe. Expect punchlines punctuated by electronic music. Broadway World Ay up, its me (the comedian) Adam. Come on, I'm not paying someone to write this. I've got a new stand-up show about a great big fat night out. Expect punchlines punctuated by rave music.

The Bare Bones of a brand new play, Flicker. Introducing Bare Bone - a fresh new event for local creatives to bring bold new writing to the stage. It's not quite a scratch night, not quite a full preview - it's something raw, real and right in the middle. Kicking things off is Flicker, a powerful new comedy play by Benjamin Storey, following Andy who slowly realises the world is slowly losing it's colour.

'What happens when a small-town kid dreams of big things while growing up on a diet of indie and alternative rock? Stand Up Comic Jake Donaldson takes you on a hilarious journey through his love of guitar bands, comic books, the ups and downs of teenage ambition, and the awkward but heartwarming realities of chasing your dreams. This brand-new stand-up comedy hour from 2024 BBC New Comedy Award Finalist Jake Donaldson is packed with nostalgia, punchy jokes, and stories about finding your place in the world-all set against the background of the 2000s. Whether you're a fan of indie rock, comic books, a 2000s kid, or just someone who's ever dared to dream big, this show will strike a chord.

An airing of brand new material by the most powerfully wistful comedian in Scotland. Co-host of the podcast Here Comes the Guillotine with Frankie Boyle and Susie McCabe. As seen on his 800 Pound Gorilla Media stand-up special “Oh No”, BBC Two’s New World Order, BBC Scotland’s Up For It, and Comedy Central Live. #1 Streamer on Twitch of the Playstation 3 video game adaptation of Disney’s Ratatouille (2007).

Clothes, cats and counter-culture. Sheffield, 1989. Loveable, eccentric septuagenarian, Hilda, has run a second-hand clothes shop for decades. She does it to make money to feed 30 stray cats. One day, a journalist from The Guardian walks in... Join Hilda's granddaughter, Julie Flower, for a 5-star Edinburgh Fringe 2024 hit! A solo, multi-character show about family history subverting expectations. Step inside Grandma's shop, a nostalgic world of old carrier bags, pools coupons and vintage clothes... presided over by an unlikely punk icon. ★★★★★ 'Refined moments of sweet, revealing storytelling.' (Three Weeks) ★★★★ 'You will leave bathed in the warm glow of humanity at its best.' (Edinburgh Reporter) ★★★★ This celebration of the ordinary paints a rich picture of Sheffield in the 1980s.(The List)

Thespian-lovers and creatives around the world! If thee has the desire to perform upon the stage, to share they soul with strangers for their approval, or if the performance you wished to see has sold-out, this is the performanceneigh, experience neigh, happening neigh, performance for thee!!! The Director The visionary behind the viral short-film "The Director - Work At Home" (viewed in excesses of a dozen times in 4 years) and champion of off-off-off-off-off-off Broadway, The Director brings his creationing masterpiece secrets to the Newcastle Fringe! Drawing upon at least several months of experience to share with you the secrets to creating an award-winning fringe theatre show at least the ones that wont result in you creating a better show than his! Filled with drama, comedy, monologues, songs, dance and more, journey with The Director for a wondrous comedic immersive theatrical experience as he encourages you all to share your art! "I am magnificent!" - The Director, The Director Hourly Theatre Newsletter "I would pay my life savings for 5 minutes of his wisdom and knowledge" - Mr D. Rector, former student Audience Reviews (Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024) Super fun show! Lots of giggles. I now feel equipped to creation my award winning storytelling dance-clowning extravaganza for next year :D An honest, recognisable show about the Fringe plus talent, joy, gentle satire, kind generosity. Loved it. Entertaining and strangely comforting. Great show, so well put together and played, drawing audience in and making sure everyone had a great time. This show is such a joy! [Paul] has created a brilliant theatre character & shares witty insights into Fringe shows in different ways, while always connecting with & highly entertaining his audience. About Paul Connolly Paul Connolly is an Edinburgh based award-winning actor, comedian, improviser, teacher, writer and director. He is best know for his work with the Edinburgh improv comedy theatre company TBC Improv UK (including their award-winning and multi-time sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe show Absolute Improv!) and the Scottish Comedy Award Winning Spontaneous Players (Spontaneous Potter: The Unofficial Improvised Parody, Spontaneous Sherlock). As well as performing around the UK, Europe and North America, since 2010 Paul has taught and trained extensively in acting, improv, musical improv, sketch and more, studying at among others: Edinburgh College; UCB/Magnet Theater/Terry Knickerbocker Studio (New York); iO/Second City (Chicago); Drama Inc. (Atlanta). In recent years Paul has focused on more solo projects including The Paul Connolly Showcase, the short-film The Director Work At Home (Prodigy Film Festival Special Mention - For Outstanding Production & Performance recipient, Best Indie Film/Best Indie Actor/Best Direction-Cinematography nominee) and Creationing Your Award-Winning Fringe Show with The Director.

Fun, fast paced and varied with the chance of chaos! Unmissable one woman show. Once seen, never forgotten. Nickis Spoken Word Show is a unique, one woman show. There will never be a dull moment and laughter is guaranteed. I, Nicki Watts will be presenting my original poetry which ranges from light hearted and entertaining to thought provoking and emotive and all styles in between. I write on a very wide range of subjects and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. I will also be performing my original monologues which are easy listening. Some are a bit of silly fun and some dont shy away from the raunchy and suggestive. Im here to show you that spoken word isnt boring, in fact my work will be quite the eye opener! Variations of my show have been played at Brighton Fringe, Camden Fringe, Chichester Fringe, Ventnor Fringe and Watford Fringe. Dont miss your chance to see what Ive got to offer before I take this show to Edinburgh for my 7 day run. In between my poetry and monologues Ill be giving plenty of my trademark chat. Expect the unexpected. My shows are unpredictable to say the least! Come and spend an unforgettable hour with me. See you there!

A comedy show telling the story of tackling Beths demons with painting, comedy, and a jab at the patriarchy. Glasgow-based artist Beth Knight uses nude self-portraits to overcome the shame she held about her body. Who Told You To Be Small is a story of tackling her demons with painting, comedy, and a jab at the patriarchy. Her paintings have gone on to be included in the Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize exhibition and were in the pre-selections for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters competition. Shes performed in top comedy clubs, including The Billy Murray and Monkey Barrel. Now shes blending her paintings and comedy into an hour show about her fight with internalized patriarchy. This show is an example of why the Fringe is wonderful (the show is wonderful too). One4Review Find out more about Beth's art here [https://www.bethknight.com/]

An incredible line up of Newcastle's finest FLINTA comedians Come see the rising stars of the north east stand up scene - they're here, they're female and/or queer and they are very, very funny. They'll be bringing down the patriarchy one full house at a time - starting with the Biscuit Factory. Hosted and produced by Kelly Edgar and Katie Sheinman