North East comedy night supporting Rape Crisis Tyneside returns on International Women's Day
Felt Nowt are hosting Tyne To Stand Up Again - featuring an all female and non-binary line up
The North East's comedy collective is coming together on International Women's Day for a second year in a row - to raise money for one of the North East's vital resources.
Tyne to Stand Up - Again - is a one night gala, featuring sets from 15 female and non-binary North East comedians - with all the money raised from ticket sales and donations on the night going to Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland.
The event was first launched on International Women's Day last year - raising ÂŁ8.5k for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland - and now organisers Felt Nowt are bringing it back to raise even more money, and shine a light on the region's talent.
One of the new acts joining the event this year is Sascha Lo from Durham, she tells us it's amazing to see a full female and non-binary line-up:
"It's so inspiring to be surrounded by these North East comics who are achieving so much...
"And considering there doesn't often happen to be much support in this area, I'm really excited to get to share the stage with probably my favourite female comedians on the circuit right now."
Sascha also explains why Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland is such a vital cause to support;
"It's quite relevant, in light of the comedy industry, which notoriously doesn't have an HR department.
"I haven't done gigs because I've been afraid to travel home alone at night on the train or on a bus or something like that, so I think it's really important these spaces exist and get funding."
Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland (RCTN) is a charity that provides services to women and girls who live, work or study in Tyneside and Northumberland.
Their website states;
"We are completely independent of the criminal justice system including the police. Our services are free and confidential.
"We are here for women and girls over 13 who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
"We are for all women including, but not limited to, women who identify as Lesbian, Bi, Trans and/or Questioning; Black and Minoritised women, Refugee women; and disabled women.
"Our definition of women-only includes Trans women and non-binary people who identify that women’s services are right for them."
Tyne To Stand Up Again will be on at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre and Opera House, on Wednesday March the 8th.
Line up:
Host: Sammy Dobson
Zoe
Louise Young
Your Aunt Fanny
Anja Atkinson
Catherine Young
Elaine Robertson
Lauren Stone
Kelly Edgar
Catherine Scot
Julie Grady Thomas
Sascha Lo
Estelle Anderson
Sam Mayes
Kelly Rickard
Felt Nowt is a not-for-profit organisation that has a goal to transform the North East comedy scene for audiences and comedians.
As a community interest company (CIC), Felt Nowt reinvests all of its profits back into the business with the long-term goals of recognising, building and promoting regional comedy and comedic talent – from beginners to national treasures – and taking comedy into communities that might not otherwise have access to it. Its Board of Directors include local comedians Lee Kyle, Gavin Webster, Anja Atkinson, Hal Branson, John Gibson, and Si Beckwith.
You can find out more about Felt Nowt, and the Tyne To Stand Up Again event online.