Socially distanced comedy night to be held at South Shields pub, featuring Gavin Webster and Sammy Dobson

The Trimmers Arms in Commercial Road, South Shields, will be hosting what’s believed to be the town’s first socially distanced comedy night.

Called The Holborn Howl, the comedy night will take place on Saturday, August 29, and will feature Gavin Webster whose many appearances include Never Mind the Buzzcocks and The Stand Up Show; former Byker Grove regular who now can be heard on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 6 music, Sammy Dobson, as well as emerging comedian Mike Wardley.

The event, which will be held outside, is being hosted by Lee Kyle, who approached the pub’s managers about staging the event. Organisers say all tables will be socially distanced, with table service throughout, to reassure customers and keep everyone safe.

Dan Whale, from The Trimmers Arms, said: “As soon as Lee contacted us we thought it was a great idea. We are known as a live music venue, but musicians are not the only live entertainers that have seen their work cut shot dramatically due to the Coronavirus pandemic, so by offering the use of our outside area we hope to bring some much needed humour to the audience.

"We are really looking forward to hosting this event, which we think is the first outdoor comedy event ever in South Tyneside. This is just the start of what we hope will be an extended itinerary of performing arts here, including comedy, shows, and of course live music.”

Tickets are being sold by the table and are priced from £6.50 per person. They are available to buy from Skiddle. The event will be brought indoors, should the weather dictate.

It comes as pubs and other venues embrace the “new normal” after the easing of lockdown, with businesses looking at new ways of attracting and serving customers that is Covid-secure as the pandemic continues.

Outdoor performances have proved a popular way of doing this. Venues have also been starting to trial indoor performances, which have now been permitted again by the Government.

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