The “quiet” mastermind behind a grassroots comedy festival in County Durham is preparing for his fifth year running a community event that focuses on laughter over profit.
Lee Woolhead has run the Consett Comedy Festival since 2022, hosting a growing line-up of comedians in the town's rugby club annually and bringing joy to thousands across the North East.
What’s more, several acts have gone from unknown local hopefuls to established acts, with tours and fanbases developing as a result of their stints at Consett Comedy Festival.
“I try to go to see acts that people won’t know, to get them alongside those that people will know and give them a stage,” said Lee.
“Small acts have turned into bigger acts, moved on to hosting the festival and then gone on to their own tours.”
Just one example of a Consett comedy success story is Kelly Rickard, who Lee said came from being “anxious and nervous” to getting on the stage and owning it.
Lee said: “She said to me, 'I shouldn’t be on this line-up,' and now she’s just hosted Sunday for Sammy.”
In the first year, Consett Comedy Festival struggled to attract bigger names because of the area, and as more established comedians were missing, people were hesitant to come down.
However, Lee ran such a smooth and supportive show for the comedians who performed, that the reputation for the festival grew very quickly.
“The comedy scene is a lot of people's agents, so you email anyone you can,” Lee said.
“But then the comics speak to each other and say that was an alright gig.”
More than anything, Lee knows how to speak to all kinds of people in the industry, and likes to keep them on their good side so that he can ask favours as he goes.
A regular performer at the festival, Stuart Harle - better known as ‘Psychic Stu’ - said: “At a time when most live events are driven by profit, Lee runs this festival purely for the love of comedy and for the people of the North East.
“To my knowledge, he has never made money from it - in fact, some years it has personally cost him. He continues regardless, because he believes our community deserves access to big-name comedy without having to travel to major cities.”
Lee confirmed that in the first year, he did lose a lot of money, but he stands out amongst his peers and the comedy world because of his dedication to providing local talent with platforms and opportunities.
When asked why he does it, Lee said: “It’s never been about making loads of money from it, it’s just been about bringing comedy to the North East.
"It’s been so successful because people recognise how authentic and quality it is. I’m putting together a show full of people who I know are going to do a good job.”
The Consett Comedy Festival will host more established comedians such as Simon Brodkin and Matt Reed this year, but with a weekend-long line-up, there is plenty of space for smaller acts to take centre stage and showcase their talent as well.
“Generally, people love to see a bit of both. People now come along to see new people who can entertain them,” said Lee.
“They’re always surprised by how good the acts really are.”
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Stuart described Lee’s energy and genuine care for comedians as rare, as many young performers struggle to find people willing to fight in their corner and risk personal financial loss to preserve grassroots comedy.
Lee’s passion is seeing the talent he finds impress audiences, allowing them to progress on and do even bigger things, all thanks to the chance they were given by Lee and the Consett Comedy Festival.
The Consett Comedy Festival runs from May 1 to May 2, 2026, at Consett Rugby Club, with tickets on sale now.
