Viz founders are the first inductees

The best comedians from the North East are to be commemorated in a new comedy hall of fame.

Viz creators Simon and Chris Donald will become the first people inducted into a permanent monument to be created in the region.

Details of where the tribute will be erected and what form it will take have yet to be confirmed, but  seven more initial inductees will be revealed over the coming months before it is launched at a  red-carpet event at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle next September.

 Organisers joked that the celebration of the region’s entertainment heritage will be ‘like the Oscars but if it was a laugh and nobody got punched’.

The Jesmond-born Donald brothers – along with co-founder Jim Brownlow, who died in 2019 – began their photocopied magazine in their bedroom 1979, selling it in city pubs. Within 10 years, Viz was selling over a million copies an issue nationwide.

Of his induction into the new hall of fame, Simon joked: ‘I’d like to say I’m deeply honoured, and indeed I would if I actually was’.

The North East Comedy Hall of Fame is expected to be a wall of plaques, which may also become a travelling exhibition with Tyne and Wear Museums

It being developed by Felt Nowt, a non-profit co-operative run by local comedians.

One of them, Lee Kyle, said: ‘Simon and Chris can legitimately claim to have invented North East alternative comedy, taking it in a somewhat more vulgar and way more silly direction than its London counterpart. We are so proud to honour the two brothers who revolutionised comedy, not just in this region but also nationwide, alongside their friend, the late Jim Brownlow.

‘Felt Nowt was created five years ago to create opportunities for the present and future of North East comedy, but a key part of our mission is recognising our history too. From huge stars of today to legends of yesterday, from household names to alternative trailblazers, the North East comedy Hall of Fame will honour just some of those who make the region special.’

"With special performances, surprise guests, a live band and lots more, we’ll be donning our best suits and fancy dresses to give much deserved awards to those that paved the way. Like the Oscars but if it was a laugh and nobody got punched.’

Tickets for the event on September 10 are on sale now.

Meanwhile, a copy of the first ever edition of Viz is expected to make up to £200 at auction next month.

The issue coming up for sale was from the third print run of the magazine, which proved an instant success.

The first print run had a tiny circulation of just 150 copies, all handmade. It was reissued  twice, with minor variations distinguishing each version.

One of the comic’s earliest gags involved a gift of a free ice cream  advertised on the cover, which was revealed  to be just a small picture  stapled to the rear inside cover. The edition going under the hammer at Ewbanks next Thursday is in ‘high-grade condition’ with even the staple-in intact.

This copy comes from the private collection of Mick Griffiths, a London-based music agent who worked with the likes of Mogwai, Ocean Colour Scene and Julian Cope, who died in 2021.

Published: 11 Nov 2025