Five more performers will be inducted into a new North East comedy hall of fame, it was announced today.
Details of where and when the tribute will be erected have yet to be confirmed, but organisers Felt Nowt say they have plans for a permanent hall of fame building.
The first inductees s will be celebrated at a gala evening at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre and Opera House on September 10.
Mark Sheridan, who grew up in Hendon and became a national star on the music hall circuit in the early 20th century, is among those being honoured. He is widely credited with turning I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside into the enduring classic it remains today.
Also inducted is Anvil Springstien, whose early act involved lying on Northumberland Street as The Human Anvil while his brother broke paving slabs on his chest with a sledgehammer. He went on to become a stand-up comedian and toured internationally as part of the alternative comedy scene.
The late Brendan Healy, who died ten years ago, is recognised for a career that spanned television, pantomime and live performance. As well as writing, producing and starring in the Tyne Theatre panto, Healy performed alongside Lindisfarne and co-wrote a musical with AC/DC's Brian Johnson.
Joining him is Lauren Pattison – the only woman to be honoured in the hall of fame. She began doing stand-up at 18 and has twice been nominated for the Edinburgh comedy award – for best newcomer in 2017 and best show in 2022.
The final name is Lee Ridley, who performs as Lost Voice Guy, recognised for a career that has taken him from journalism to winning the BBC new comedy award in 2014 and then Britain's Got Talent in 2018.
The latest inductees join previously announced names including Stan Laurel and the creators of Viz, Simon Donald and Chris Donald, as well as the charitable foundation Sunday for Sammy.
Jake Donaldson, a director of hall of fame organisers Felt Nowt, said: 'The North East has produced some of the funniest, boldest and most inventive performers in the world. This night is about celebrating that legacy properly – with pride, with daftness, and with the full noise of a region that knows how to laugh.’
