Tyne Bank remembers comedian Bobby Thompson with special theatre show ale

THEATRE-goers will be raising a glass to “The Little Waster” Bobby Thompson with a new beer created ahead of a show about the comedian’s life.

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the entertainer’s death, the ale, Bobby’s Story, is a variation on Tyne Bank Brewery’s Monument Bitter, using Bullion and Brewers Gold hops.

The special beer coincides with The Bobby Thompson Story taking to the stage at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal and brewery managing director Julia Austin said it had been great to remember such a major North East figure.

“Occasionally, an event comes along which we feel deserves a commemorative beer, and we always enjoy the process of collaborating with local partners, and devising, naming and creating it,” she said.

“Bobby was a real North East folk hero, and with the debut of Pete’s wonderful 25th anniversary show at the Theatre Royal, we felt this was the perfect occasion to dedicate an ale to him.

“Last year we created the Ridley Racer to mark the 150th anniversary of the Blaydon Races, and it was a huge success, and we are sure that, just like the show, Bobby’s Story will make for a very popular brew, too.”

Sunderland-born comedian Bobby Thompson was a fixture in the region’s working men’s clubs for almost 60 years. With a broad, pit village accent, self-deprecating humour, and mastery of mother-in-law jokes, he was one of the most popular comedians of his day, but saw little success outside the region.

Washington-born actor Pete Peverley’s self-devised one-man show, which he’s performing in Newcastle on Wednesday March 13 and Thursday March 14, looks at both the brilliantly cheeky public-facing man everyone knew and loved, as well as the private Bobby, a withdrawn man troubled by drink, gambling debts and the tax man.

Ahead of the show the copper-coloured beer has been supplied to Lady Greys on Shakespeare Street, the Charles Grey by Grey’s Monument, Bacchus on High Bridge, the Crown Posada on the Quayside, The Town Wall on Pink Lane, the Crow’s Nest on Percy Street, and Pasqualinos on Market Street. It will also be available in the theatre on the night of the performances.

Tickets for the show, priced £15, are available from the Theatre Royal Box Office by calling 0844 811 2121 or visiting www.theatreroyal.co.uk