North East Comedy Hall of Fame to Honour Region's Legends from 2026

A new North East Comedy Hall of Fame is set to launch in September 2026, celebrating the rich history and outstanding achievements of comedians from the region. Organised by Felt Nowt, a non-profit cooperative of local comedians, the inaugural event will induct eight initial members, with the first two being the acclaimed Viz magazine founders, brothers Chris and Simon Donald.

Key Takeaways

• The North East Comedy Hall of Fame will launch in September 2026.

• Felt Nowt, a local comedians' cooperative, is organising the event.

• Viz creators Chris and Simon Donald are the first announced inductees.

• The gala event will be held at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

Inaugural Inductees Announced

The first inductees into the North East Comedy Hall of Fame will be brothers Chris and Simon Donald, the creative minds behind the iconic satirical magazine Viz. The Donald brothers started selling their publication in Newcastle pubs in 1979, and within a decade, Viz achieved nationwide sales of over a million copies per issue. Their work is credited with revolutionising comedy, particularly in the North East, by introducing a more vulgar and sillier style compared to the London scene.

Simon Donald humorously commented on the honour, stating, "I'd like to say I'm deeply honoured, and indeed I would if I actually was." Lee Kyle of Felt Nowt acknowledged that "they should have asked Chris," but praised the Donald brothers for their significant impact on comedy. He also mentioned that their friend, the late Jim Brownlow, would be honoured alongside them.

Vision for the Hall of Fame

Felt Nowt established five years ago with the aim of fostering opportunities for current and future North East comedians, but also to recognise and preserve the region's comedic heritage. The Hall of Fame aims to honour a diverse range of talents, from contemporary stars to past legends, and from mainstream figures to alternative trailblazers.

The Gala Event

The official launch will take place at the historic Tyne Theatre and Opera House on Thursday, 10th September 2026. The event promises a star-studded evening with special performances, surprise guests, a live band, and the presentation of awards to those who have paved the way for comedy in the North East. Organisers have described it as "Like the Oscars but if it was a laugh and nobody got punched."

Over the next eleven months leading up to the gala, seven more inductees will be revealed. Details regarding the permanent location of the Hall of Fame itself are also expected to be announced in due course.

Sources

• North East Comedy Hall of Fame to launch in 2026, British Comedy Guide.