Funnily enough, The Sunday for Sammy Trust has announced the seven finalists in the 2020 Sketch for Sammy comedy scriptwriting competition’ – ‘Taalkin Heeds’.
Budding and established comedy writers were asked to submit a short monologue which was then considered by comedy writer Jason Cook and actress Viktoria Kay.
The seven finalists were then mentored by Jason and Viktoria who also cast the actors who performed the sketches on film. The top seven sketches will be posted online, one a night from 8th to the 14thof November for the public to comment and the judges to review. The winning sketch, plus comments from the judges, Tim Healy, Denise Welch and Elliott Kerrigan will be posted on www.sundayforsammy.org on Sunday 15th November and the winning writer revealed.
The shortlisted writers are Jamie Diffley from Monkseaton, George Heron from Beamish, Andy Robson from Fenham, Lesley-Anne Newman from Morpeth, Chris Groom from Croydon, John Gibson from South Shields and Alice Blundell from Forest Hall who, as an established actress will also perform her own monologue.
The other actors performing are Vik Kay, Lewis Jobson, Paul Dunn, Craig Richardson, Kylie Ann Ford and Chris Connel.
Sunday for Sammy’s Ray Laidlaw said:
“We’ve had a record number of entries this year and the standard of writing has been very high. Every one of these writers is a winner and their work will definitely put a smile on the faces of the great Geordie public at a time when we all need a laugh.
“The winner of the best sketch will win the Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award 2020 and the sketch will be short-listed for the 2022 Sunday for Sammy show which could mean that it has the chance of featuring in the next Sunday for Sammy DVD too.”
Jamie Diffley from Monkseaton – The Waitress performed by Viktoria Kay “It’s about a stressed-out manager trying to welcome a family into her pub in these Covid times. I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Sunday for Sammy is a North East institution and it’s great to be involved.”
George Heron from Beamish – Life in a Blue Suit –performed by Lewis Jobson “My sketch reflects back to my service in the Royal Navy and the need to write to and receive letters from home.
I entered the competition never dreaming that my script would reach the final and I am thrilled and so excited to see it acted out by professionals and aired for the public to see.”
Andy Robson from Fenham – Birds performed by Paul Dunn – “My sketch is about a naive man who endures a terrible night out after a series of misunderstandings. I’m over the moon to be a finalist and can’t wait to see it performed!”
Chris Groom from Croydon – Geordie Alexa performed by Craig Richardson
“My sketch highlights the problem of when technology gets too smart and decides to hinder, rather than help…
I’m proud to make the final and this is the first time I’ll see something of mine actually performed – so it’s incredibly exciting, if a little scary!”
Lesley-Anne Newman from Morpeth My Exciting New Career performed by Kylie Ann Ford
‘My sketch contrasts my previous work as an antiques dealer pre COVID to working on the check out at a major supermarket. I’m so proud to be a small part of the Sunday for Sammy institution. To get this far is amazing and I can’t wait to see it come to life.”
Alice Blundell from Forest Hall – Bella performed by herself.
“My sketch is about an unconditional love for Greggs and the seminal moment it opened its doors once again after Lockdown. I had lots of fun writing it, and no idea it would make it close to the final let alone being asked to perform it too. It’s the first thing I’ve written and performed solo which makes it exciting and incredibly nerve wracking! I hope the people of Newcastle can relate to my love of the pasty.”
John Gibson from South Shields Kidnapped performed by Chris Connel
“My sketch is about a man whose wife has just been kidnapped and the first phone call that he makes following that event. Having a sketch chosen for the final of this competition is absolutely amazing. There are so few opportunities like this for comedy writers and I’m very excited to see my words brought to life.”
The 2020 Sunday for Sammy DVD is out now with live music and comedy from a star-studded cast including: Jimmy Nail – Tim Healy – Kevin Whately – Denise Welch – Jason Cook – Chris Ramsey – Christopher Fairbank – Johnny Vegas – Rosie Ramsey – Joe McElderry – Jill Halfpenny – Trevor Horn – Michael Praed – Billy Mitchell -Chelsea halfpenny – Charlie Hardwick – Angela Lonsdale – Laura Norton and loads more…Available from JG Windows Newcastle and Metrocentre
PR and Media Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951