FANS of The Little Waster will be able to get a little wasted with a new beer commemorating the 25th anniversary of the comedian’s death.
Ahead of The Bobby Thompson Story taking to the stage at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal next week, Byker-based Tyne Bank Brewery has created a variation on their popular Monument Bitter in honour of the North East’s most beloved entertainers.
“Occasionally, an event comes along which we feel deserves a commemorative beer, and we always enjoy the process of collaborating with local partners, and devising, naming and creating it,” said brewery managing director Julia Austin.
“Bobby was a real North East folk hero, and with the debut of Pete’s wonderful 25th anniversary show at the Theatre Royal, we felt this was the perfect occasion to dedicate an ale to him.
“Last year we created the Ridley Racer to mark the 150th anniversary of the Blaydon Races, and it was a huge success, and we are sure that, just like the show, Bobby’s Story will make for a very popular brew, too.” Sunderland-born comedian Bobby Thompson was a fixture in the region’s working men’s clubs for almost 60 years.
With a broad, pit village accent, self-deprecating humour, and mastery of mother-in-law jokes, he was one of the most popular comedians of his day, but saw little success outside the region. Washington-born actor Pete Peverley’s self-devised one-man show, which he’s performing in Newcastle next Wednesday and Thursday, explores the two sides of the performer – the brilliantly cheeky public-facing man everyone knew and loved, as well as the private Bobby, a withdrawn man troubled by drink, gambling debts and the tax man. Before the show reaches the city, the beer – a copper-coloured ale that uses Bullion and Brewers Gold hops instead of the usual Monument Bitter mix – will be available around Newcastle in Lady Greys on Shakespeare Street, the Charles Grey by Grey’s Monument, Bacchus on High Bridge, the Crown Posada on the Quayside, The Town Wall on Pink Lane, the Crow’s Nest on Percy Street, and Pasqualinos on Market Street.
Tickets for the performance, priced £15, are available from the Theatre Royal Box Office by calling 0844 811 2121 or visiting www.theatreroyal.co.uk
