CATHERINE Tate apparently called them “brilliant, really brilliant” which is no mean accolade for comedy sketch trio The Ginge, The Geordie and The Geek.
The trio, who met at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, from where they graduated in 2004, enjoyed a sell-out run on the Edinburgh Fringe last year.
They are returning next month with two shows, one of new material and a “best of” compilation.
There’s a chance to get a taste of what Edinburgh audiences can expect when the talented trio play Live Theatre in Newcastle next Wednesday at 8pm.
A little bird tells us there are routines about a vegetarian lion and a hopeless mime addict.
Another fan, Johnny Vegas, called them “the funniest reminder that Oxbridge has no monopoly on genius mucking about”.
You might be wondering who they are.
The Geordie is Paul Charlton who was born in South Shields and who has a long CV of acting roles to his credit, including Little Britain and Kevin in new TV series Sirens.
He has also written two successful plays – Love, Sex and Cider, and Crush.
The Ginge is Graeme Rooney, who has been in Rab C Nesbitt and Skins, and The Geek is Kevin O’Loughlin who boasts that he was “tortured gruesomely” as a guest lead in Taggart.
For tickets to the Live Theatre gig a week tomorrow, call 0191 232 1232.
The trio take up residence at Just The Tonic (Big Room), The caves, Edinburgh from August 6-29 (not 17), the new show at 4.45pm and the best of at 7.45pm.
Tickets 0131 556 5375/ www.edfringe.com
MORRISON MAY BE ON WAY BACK
SINGER-SONGWRITER James Morrison headlined at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival last year and a return to the region could be in the offing.
He releases his third album, The Awakening, on September 26, with a single due out a week earlier.
The album, Morrison’s first for Island Records, was recorded at Konk studios in London.
It follows Undiscovered (2006) and Songs For You, Truths For Me (2008) which together have sold 4½ million copies.
The Awakening includes a collaboration with Jessie J on the track Up, produced by Mark Taylor.
All other tracks were produced by Bernard Butler.
Morrison said: “Working with Bernard Butler on this album has brought a whole new dimension to the songs.
“For me this album combines influences stemming from my deep love for classic soul with a sound that is contemporary.”
Morrison will perform a London gig on July 30 as part of the iTunes festival. A UK tour will follow later in the year.