It’s back! Our sketch writing competition returns this year, open to all budding comedy writers across the North East. Every submitted sketch will be reviewed by our judging panel, and from all entries six finalists will be selected to have their work professionally performed to a live audience at one of our renowned Sketch for Sammy nights. 

On the night, our judging panel will choose one overall winner, who will receive the prestigious Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award. These two legendary writers, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, created classics such as Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Porridge, The Likely Lads and Flushed Away amongst many more. We’re proud to host this event and present their award to the next generation of North East comedy talent.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a comedy sketch, or have one sitting ready to be performed, now’s the time to send it in. You never know… your sketch could end up being performed in front of 12,000 people at the Arena in our next Sunday for Sammy show.

How it works…

• Send us your five‑minute sketch along with your entry form - ENTER HERE.
• Our judges - comedians Cal Halbert & Kelly Rickard, Producer Ray Laidlaw, comedy director Emma Roxburgh, and writer Tony Gannie will review all entries and create a shortlist.
• Shortlisted finalists will receive mentoring to hone and polish their scripts.
• Professional actors will perform the finalists’ sketches during an evening filled with music and comedy.
• You sit back, enjoy the audience reaction, and meet fellow writers and members of the Sammy family.
• Our judging panel, including a few surprise guests, will decide who wins the much‑coveted award.
• The winner may see their sketch performed at the Arena during our next show in 2028.

Dates to remember…

• Applications close: Saturday 12th September
• Shortlist announced: Monday 28th September
• Sketch for Sammy Final: Sunday 18th October

Sketch for Sammy night details…

Sunday 18th October, 7.30pm, The Exchange 1856, North Shields

Tickets on sale soon (each finalist receives two complimentary tickets)