A North East venue has been forced to respond after claims that crowd members were 'kicked out' of a comedy show amid issues with the sound quality. 

Comedian Paul Smith, who is known for his quick-comebacks and interactions with his crowd, played the Sunderland Empire at the end of last month - with a near sold-out crowd in. 

Despite many comedy fans attending the event on July 22, members of the audience in Sunderland reported issues with the sound quality - with some even claiming that they were ejected after confronting staff members at Sunderland Empire. 

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Meanwhile, some other members of the audiences alleged that several drunk people shouting over the comedian.

Taking to Sunderland Empire's Facebook pae after the comedy performance, one disappointed event-goer said: "We left the venue 30 minutes in, we couldn't hear the comedian due to a poor mic set up and the number of drunks shouting out meant the comedians couldn't get a full joke out."

The Northern Echo: Paul Smith comedyPaul Smith comedy (Image: PAUL SMITH)

Another attendee added: "The sound quality was horrendous, and the amount of drunks allowed in was unreal."

Paul Smith is currently on his extensive UK-wide tour, which is also stopping in Stockton, Newcastle and the Rainton Arena, in the North East, as well as Liverpool, where the comedian hails from.

In response to the disruption at the venue for the show on July 22, Sunderland Empire have addressed the issues - and claim that they rectified the sound quality problem before the performance. 

The Northern Echo: Sunderland EmpireSunderland Empire (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The venue also confirmed that patrons might be asked to leave if their behaviour is deemed 'inappropriate' by staff. 

A spokesperson for Sunderland Empire added: "At Paul Smith’s show, during Paul’s welcome, issues regarding the sound were raised by patrons. 

"These issues were quickly remedied by the production company and sound was working well for the support act and Paul Smith’s main performance. 

"The safety and welfare of our staff and guests is always our top priority and where we find inappropriate behaviour we will act, and patrons may be asked to leave."