COMEDIANS heading for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are giving North-East audiences a preview of their new shows.

Mick Ferry and Phil Kay are playing the Live Theatre, in Newcastle tonight, from 8pm.

Geordie comic Jason Cook and Viz co-founder Simon Donald are performing at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, County Durham, on Sunday, at 8pm.

Tom Wrigglesworth and Dan Willis are also playing at the Lamplight on Monday, at 8pm.

John Smith, director of the Grinning Idiot Comedy Club, which has organised the gigs, said: “The North-East seems to be the obvious stop-off point for comedy fans en route to Edinburgh Festival.

“It’s well placed for festival goers to take a short break in their journey and means they get to see a sneak preview of a number of comedians’ new shows before the masses descend on Edinburgh.

“We hope to build on our Edinburgh preview programme further still next year, working with a number of partner venues to create an exciting choice of acts right on Newcastle’s doorstep.”

To book tickets for Live Theatre, visit live.org.uk or call 0191-232-1232. Tickets cost between £4 and £10.

To book tickets for the Lamplight, visit leisureworksonline.co.uk or call 01207-218899. Tickets cost £5.