Sketch for Sammy finalists revealed
Six original sketches inspired by life in the North East will be performed in front of a live audience later this month, continuing Sunday for Sammy's tradition of discovering new regional talent
The search for the funniest new comedy writers in the North East reaches its climax this month when the A Sketch for Sammy grand final takes place in North Shields.
Backed by the team behind the legendary Sunday for Sammy biennial fundraising concerts - which are making a return early next year to mark the events’ 25th anniversary - the competition gives emerging writers the chance to see their work performed by professional actors in front of a live audience.
Booked for the evening of Sunday, October 12 at The Exchange 1856 on Howard Street. £10, audiences are being promised “an affordable night of top-class North East comedy and entertainment”.
“We’re thrilled to bring back A Sketch for Sammy as part of our mission to uncover and support fresh comedy talent,” said Ray Laidlaw, producer of the Sunday for Sammy show, which will be back at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on February 15 for two shows.
Sketch for Sammy will be hosted by comedians and trustees of the Sunday for Sammy Trust, Kelly Rickard and Cal Halbert, and feature a mix of brand-new sketches, stand-up, and songs. Alongside the competition finalists, audiences can expect performances from comedy sketch troupes Your Aunt Fanny and Metroland, and musical group Western Quay.
This year’s shortlist features six original sketches, each offering its own comic take on North East life.
They include Buskers by Julie Meredith, Peeping Toms by Hendrika Segura Bigg, Blind Gate’sheed by Georgia Nicholson, Main Gate by Janet Plater, BBC Breakfast by Katy Swainston, and Metro Station Announcements by Vanessa Karon and Paul Dunn.
Ray added: “This is a great opportunity to see fresh sketches performed by professional actors in front of a live audience. Who knows, perhaps the winner may even have their work put into the Arena show in February?”
Sunday for Sammy was founded by Tim Healy and Jimmy Nail in memory of their friend and fellow actor Sammy Johnson, best known for his roles in Spender and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. Established as a charitable trust, it raises money through its arena concerts featuring some of the region’s best-loved stars… and those who have travelled a bit further.
Past events have seen the likes of Kevin Whately, Chris and Rosie Ramsey, Jill Halfpenny, Joe McElderry, Brian Johnson, Mark Knopfler, Trevor Horn, Johnny Vegas, Stephen Tompkinson, Denise Welch, Charlie Hardwick, Jason Cook, Timothy Spall and Brenda Blethyn take to the stage.
Funds raised are used to support emerging creative talent across the North East, from young performers starting out in music, theatre and film, to comedians developing their first shows. Grants provide training, equipment and opportunities that help artists take their first steps into professional careers.
Tickets for Sketch for Sammy at The Exchange in North Shields are £10 and available here. Meanwhile tickets for Sunday for Sammy at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Februay 15, 2026, can be booked here.