Donald brothers in first joint stage appearance in 20 years

Viz creators Chris and Simon Donald are to appear on stage together for the first time in 20 years to mark the 30th anniversary of the comic.

The brothers - described as the ‘knob-gag Gallaghers’ by the event’s promoter – started the crude comedy magazine in a bedroom of their parents’ home in the Newcastle suburb of Jesmond in 1979. But 2015 marks 30 years since the magazine went national, thanks to a deal with Virgin Publishing.

Simon Donald has been forging a career as a stand-up over the last decade, while Chris has maintained a low profile, except for writing a personal history of Viz, Rude Kids, in 2004.

The show at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre on August 5 will feature a stand-up set from Simon and an interview with Chris before a joint Q&A session with the audience, hosted by magician Chris Cross.

Limited edition merchandise and artwork specially created for the ‘Geordie Night OOT Not to Be Missed, Like!’ – as it is being billed – will be sold at the gig, which will also feature a charity auction of original Viz memorabilia in aid of St. Oswald’s Hospice.

Published: 2 Apr 2015