Someone somewhere is surely writing a book on the north-south divide in comedy. And if they aren't maybe I should. It does seem that the north of England dominates when it comes to chatty, mainstream observational humour. Maybe it comes from a long tradition of gossiping over garden fences while snooty southerners keep themselves to themselves. Maybe northerners have to nurture more of a sense of humour because they are the ones that seem to get hit hardest whenever there is a recession. But whatever the reason for it some great comedians have come out of the north and one of the recent crop of funny men is Dave Spikey.
The former Bolton General Hospital haematologist has made up for a late start in stand-up, finding TV fame as spoof club crooner Jerry St Clair on Phoenix Nights, which he also helped to write. He has also built up a live following not just in the north but all over the UK. Spikey is off on a series of extra dates for his Words Don't Come Easy show this autumn and Beyond The Joke has a pair of tickets to give away for one of his shows, including a rare gig in London. To win them, sign up for the beyondthejoke weekly newsletter on the right of the homepage and email [email protected] to say what gig you would like tickets for from the list below. The winner will be chosen at random. Closing date noon, Thursday 19 September and the winner will be contacted by 5pm on Friday 20 September.
Sheffield Memorial Hall > October 31st > Box Office 01142 789789
London Leicester Sq Theatre > November 1st > Box Office 08448 73343
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com
Aberdeen Lemon Tree > November 8th > Box Office 01224 641122
Skegness Embassy Theatre > November 29th > Box Office 0845 6740505
Corby The Core at Corby Cube > December 12th > Box Office 01536 470470
