Punch-Drunk Comedy have turned their monthly run of stand-up comedy events in Blyth, Bedlington and Ashington, into pop-up food banks. Collecting food, toiletries and household products for those in need.
Punch-Drunk, who bring the world’s best stand-up comedians to social clubs in South East Northumberland and were named ‘Best Large Comedy Venue in the North’ earlier in the year – are at the hub of a movement which has at its heart a drive to reunite communities and improve collaboration, to increase people’s awareness and pride in all of the positive things that are going on in their towns.
The movement has experienced an impressive trajectory since the turn of the year when two brothers from Blyth brought the gigs they had previously held every now and then at Concordia Leisure Centre, to a sell-out 350-person audience at the Newsham Side Club in Blyth. They pledged to make this a regular occurrence, supporting Princess Ellie’s Trust with 10% of ticket revenue each time and bringing together the community through collaboration and mutual support.
The boys have made good on their promise, filling The Side Club to the rafters every month since and creating an environment where positivity breeds positivity, with people coming together once a month to celebrate their community.
As the more recently established Bedlington and Ashington gigs continue to grow month on month, they too have become a monthly date in the calendar where a true sense of community spirit is restored and celebrated.
At all three venues 10% of ticket revenue is donated directly to a partner charity and extra funds are raised on the night, with the cornerstone of that effort being the now-famed Premier Meats raffle!
Collectively over £10,000 has been raised since the turn of the year for Princess Ellie’s Trust of Blyth, Bradley’s Smile Trust of Bedlington, Nathan’s Needs of Ashington and John-Joseph’s Journey of Newbiggin; as well as The Chernobyl Orphan Group, Scotty’s Little Soldiers and The Sick Children’s Trust.
The team are now harnessing their following – affectionately dubbed the Punch-Drunk Army – to generate even more support for important causes in each of the towns. The latest development has been turning all of the gigs into pop-up food banks, a move which will continue as a regular fixture following its success when it was trialled in July and August.
With each audience member bringing along an item for the collection, Punch-Drunk were able to make huge donations to three different food banks on the mornings following all three August gigs and they aim to donate even more, following each of the September events!
In September, Punch-Drunk Comedy are bringing Nick Helm and support to Blyth (Monday 21st – SOLD OUT), Bedlington (Tuesday 22nd) and Ashington (Wednesday 23rd).
Tickets are £10 and doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm.
You can be reserve tickets now by calling or texting the Box Office on 07738663379 or by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/punchdrunkcomedy/events