Comic Gavin Webster is determined to make sure his act is available to all his fans this Christmas. The Geordie stand-up is releasing a CD this weekend. Viv Hardwick reports

NORTH-EAST comedian Gavin Webster is set to take his humour directly into the homes of his fans with the release of his first audio CD, which will be launching at The Stand, Newcastle, on Sunday, December 16.

The rise and rise of small screen comedy has meant that fans don’t have to travel far to get their daily dose of laughter. Armchair comedy lovers are enjoying up-and-coming acts, established stalwarts, alternative humour and mainstream household names at the click of the button.

Not one to resist moving with the times, cult Geordie comic Webster has decided to take his own brand of comedy direct to the homes of his growing band of followers with his newly-recorded CD, Gavin Webster – Northumbrian Assembly Volume 1.

Expect classic stand-up routines, character acts and a comedy musical medley based on Geordie life – all wrapped up with political comment, witty oneliners and a mishmash of memorable characters – perhaps adding a theatre full of pandas and a dog on a washing line.

Webster says: “The reason I wanted to do a CD is to ensure I have a record of my work. The stuff that I tend not to do live. The short-burst songs, the monologues, the sketches – basically the stuff I do on a Sunday night at The Stand that I can’t do on the mainstream circuit. I’m calling it Volume 1 because there’ll be more where that came from. No one will miss out on my more experimental funnies down the years as a result of me now releasing CDs.”

What’s more, anyone living in Webster’s region, who happens to be one of the first 20 to place their order, will literally be welcoming the comic to their doorstep, as he promises to hand deliver the CD to his most eager fans.

To get your hands on a copy, visit gavinwebster.

co.uk or book your place at the official launch at The Stand, Newcastle on Sunday, December 16, by logging onto thestand.co.uk or calling 0131-558-7373. The launch party will feature live stand-up from Webster, with special guests Simon Donald and Simon Buglass, bingo, a comedy quiz and Webster’s legendary Sunday night meat draw.

For more updates, follow Gavin on Twitter - @Thegavinwebster.

Please note that the CD contains strong language. Suitable for 18 and over.

Webster is also appearing as part of The Stand’s entertainment over Christmas and New Year.

The line-up is:

December 17, Steffen Peddle Chat Show Thing

It’s a chat show, live with no cameras and no censor. What do we discuss? The host, Steffen Peddle, asks the audience to pull up a chair and listen to the backstage chat.

There’s live stand-up and and the chance to put forward questions and maybe win a prize from the Table of Tat.

Guests: Barry Dodds and Hebburn writer Jason Cook.

December 20-22, Zoe Lyons and Jo Caulfield

Host Jo Caulfield is one of the finest acts in the business, thanks to acclaimed tours and numerous TV and radio appearances. Zoe Lyons has emerged in recent years as an act to watch.

Andrew Stanley, Chris Brooker and Gareth Waugh also appear.

December 27-31, New Year Specials

Gavin Webster has become a firm favourite at The Stand. He’s joined by Simon Donald, who is best-known as a founder of the Viz comic but his stand-up has turned Stewart Lee and Richard Herring into fans. Originally from Edinburgh, John Scott is now very much a “man about toon” while Steffen Peddle returns as host.