THEY say that necessity is the mother of invention and Saddleworth's Off The Rails Comedy Club has not only laughed in the face of Covid but found a brand new audience too.

Social distancing, followed by the curfew and the tier system made putting its usual shows on either illegal or financially unviable, according promoter Rob Riley.

He said: "So, we stuck our toes firmly into the family friendly market and ran a couple of one off shows aimed at kids and parents in October which went down a storm.

"On the back of that we have booked two weekends in December with CBBC and Britain's Got Talent stars, a Covid friendly pantomime and some very funny, very clean comedians suitable for all ages.

"Obviously, we want the kids to have a great time but we have been very careful to make sure the mums, dads and grandparents have plenty to laugh at too. "

Canadian master story-teller Tony Law is joined by ex-pat Oldhamer Wacky Woody on the afternoon of Saturday, December 12.

Tony's TV appearances include Have I Got News For You and Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe whereas Woody's (Dominic Woodward on his birth certificate) meld of comedy and magic regularly entertains guests at TUI hotels, Warner Leisure and CBBC television audiences.

On Sunday, December 20 it gets a bit more traditional when its regular venue, the Royal George hosts "Buttons – the One-Man Pantomime". Buttons turns up for the first performance of Cinderella to discover the rest of the cast have been furloughed.

The show must go on and Buttons pulls it off whilst joined by a star-studded cast (including familiar faces from CBBC) on video call.

Buttons is played by multi award winning comedian Tom Binns who's best known character is inept Hospital Radio DJ Ivan Brackenbury.

Britain's Got Talent has been one of the most successful shows of recent years and is loved by all ages and Saturday, December 19 sees two of its brightest stars - Malawian comedian Daliso Chaponda and Swansea's Noel James - in two fun packed shows.

The final family friendly show on Sunday, December 20 features a stalwart of children's comedy in Howard Read.

Originally the bigger half of CBBC's "Big Howard, Little Howard" he is also part of the BAFTA winning team behind Horrible Histories.

Little Howard has been very naughty and won't be coming so Howard will be bringing Nick Doody with him.

Nick was legendary comic Bill Hicks' support act and has featured extensively on Radio 4 but, have no fear, he's also an expert at the very silly, slightly rude stuff kids love so much too.

All the afternoon family shows above take place in the upstairs function room at the Royal George, Greenfield. Shows are socially distanced and Covid precautions will be in place.

Full details and online booking are at www.saddleworthcomedy.co.uk or ring Rob on 07874 152 338

ENDS

--

Best UK Independent Comedy Promoter

As voted for in the 2018 and 2016 UK Comedy Awards

Comedy Promoter Of The Year

As voted for in the 2018 NW Comedy Awards

Best Small Comedy Club (Nominee)

As nominated in the 2018 NW Comedy Awards (for Off The Rails, Saddleworth)