Stand-up comedian and actor Dave Johns is heading out on tour this year. In From Byker to the BAFTAS he will be telling the story of how he went from comedian to late blooming film star, winning acclaim and awards for his stand-out performance in the Ken Loach film I, Daniel Blake.

Thr tour dsates currently run from 18th May at The Exchange, North Shields to 29th November at the Burning Duck Comedy Club, York.

The unexpected film career came just as he was thinking of other options. At one point he applied for a licence to run donkey rides on Whitley Bay beach. Due to bureaucracy Dave's donkey ride dream did not materialise and Whitley Bay beach remains donkey free to this day. Instead he became a "fillum star".

More recently Johns has starred in the hit feelgood film Fisherman's Friends and has just finished shooting a new movie, 23 Walks, co-starring Alison Steadman. He has recently joined the cast of the remake of the Noel Coward play Blithe Spirit, starring Dame Judi Dench. 

Picture: Steve Ullathorne

Click here for full tour dates and ticket links.