The search is on for the North East’s next comedy writing talent as the Sunday for Sammy Trust launches its popular Sketch for Sammy 2026 competition and the presentation of the Clement & La Frenais Award For Best Sketch.
The initiative offers aspiring writers the chance to have their comedy scripts developed, performed live and potentially earn a place in the legendary Sunday for Sammy arena show at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena in 2028.
Organisers are inviting entries for original five-minute comedy sketches, with a particular emphasis on the wit, warmth and unique character of the North East.
Last year’s winner, Hendrika Seguro-Bigg, described the competition as a career-changing experience.
She said: “Winning Sketch for Sammy was a huge turning point for me as a writer, being that it was my first comedy award. Having that support gave me the confidence and momentum to keep pushing forward and keep doing what I love.”
Both Hendrika and runner-up Georgia Nicholson saw their winning sketches performed during this year’s sell-out Sunday for Sammy shows, alongside an all-star line-up featuring performances from Matty Healy of The 1975, Lewis Capaldi and Sting.
Now, the Trust is looking for the next generation of comedy writers whose work could feature in the 2028 Sunday for Sammy Arena show, affectionately known as the Geordie Command Performance.
Show producer Ray Laidlaw said: “Sketch for Sammy has become a wonderful way of discovering fresh comedy talent from across the North East. Every year we’re amazed by the imagination, originality and humour people bring to the competition.
“We want writers to be bold, funny and proudly Geordie. If you’ve got an idea that will make an audience laugh, we’d love to read it. This competition has already helped launch exciting new writing talent, and we’re looking forward to discovering the next names who could be entertaining thousands of people on the Sunday for Sammy stage in 2028.”
To inspire entrants, organisers have suggested a few tongue-in-cheek parody titles including:
The Geordie Shoreshank Redemption
Game of Toons
Howay, Met Your Mother
Love Whey-Aye Land
Queer Eye for the Radgie Guy
Line of Duty Free
Blythwatch
Doontoon Abbey
The Weakest Pint
However, writers are encouraged to create their own original concepts.
The judges will be looking for scripts that capture the distinctive humour and character of the North East. This year’s Sunday for Sammy audience enjoyed sketches including Ant and Dec voicing a Geordie artificial intelligence called YI, while legendary character Cushie Butterfield found romance on a Greggs-fuelled version of Blind Date hosted by Angie Lonsdale.
A judging panel featuring comedians Cal Halbert and Kelly Rickard, comedy director Emma Roxburgh, writer Tony Gannie and producer Ray Laidlaw will select the six finalists.
Each successful writer will receive professional mentoring to help refine and polish their script before it is performed live at Sketch for Sammy, taking place at The Exchange 1856 on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The event will be hosted by Cal Halbert and Kelly Rickard and will feature an evening packed with comedy and live music. All six finalist sketches will also be considered for inclusion in the 2028 Sunday for Sammy arena production.
Entrants should submit an original script of around five minutes in length, approximately five pages in standard play format, together with a completed entry form and a short biography of no more than 100 words.
Scripts must be submitted by Saturday, September 12, 2026. The six finalists will be notified before the public shortlist is announced on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Anyone with questions about the competition can email info@sundayforsammy.org.
For full competition details, the entry form, play format guidance and tickets for the Sketch for Sammy showcase event, visit the Sunday for Sammy website.
ENDS
Photo: A scene from last year’s Sketch for Sammy (Michael Bailey)
Notes to Editors
Sketch for Sammy 2026
Closing date for entries: September 12, 2026
Shortlist announced: September 28, 2026
Live final: October 18, 2026, The Exchange 1856
Six shortlisted writers receive mentoring before their sketches are performed live.
Finalists’ sketches will be considered for inclusion in the 2028 Sunday for Sammy arena show.
PR and media keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951