Young Whickham comic beats dozens of rivals to perform alongside hero Danny Adams

A youngster from Whickham will see his wildest dreams come true at the weekend when he performs on stage alongside his comedy hero. James Jack Green was one of dozens of youngsters who entered a competition to win the chance to join panto legend Danny Adams on stage at Playhouse Whitley Bay for Smile For A Night 2024 on Sunday.

Danny, who shot to nationwide fame after starring in hit CBBC Series Danny & Mick, is patron of Smile For Life Children’s Charity, which will receive all proceeds from tickets sold to the event.

James wowed Danny with his hilarious audition featuring jokes, singing and even getting a custard pie in the face, meaning he will get to perform a sketch alongside Danny, his dad Clive and brother Mick on stage in front of hundreds of onlookers.

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The youngster was over the moon to win the competition, having seen Danny perform at every Newcastle Theatre Royal panto and Cirque Du Hilarious North East show since he was three.

He said: “A few people saw the competition on Facebook and sent it to my mum, saying I’d be perfect, so I thought ‘why not?’. I managed to win so I must be alright! I can’t wait to perform with Danny. He is my favourite comedian – I just love him! It’ll be a dream come true to be on stage with him.

“I’ll do anything he wants me to do! Danny has said I’ll be doing some comedy-magic, so that should be fun. I’ll be nervous, but I’ll be more excited than anything else.”

Danny said: “James had me in stitches watching his video, he seems like a superstar in the making! He’ll fit in perfectly with the routine we have planned for him. Hopefully he doesn’t have any ACCIDERRRNTS!

“The variety show is always great fun and a perfect day out for all the family, and getting a ticket means you’re helping people right here in the North East too." Joining James on the bill this Sunday is Britain's Got Talent winner Lee Ridley, better known as Lost Voice Guy, and a host of other variety acts from across the North East.

All proceeds from the event will be going to Smile For Life, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people with disabilities and learning difficulties across the North East. It has two cafés – in Gosforth and at Ouseburn Farm – staffed by young people with learning difficulties who are able to gain skills needed for the world of work.

Smile For Life chief executive Paula Gascoigne said: “James’ audition was fantastic and he more than deserves the chance to be on stage at the variety show with Danny. Smile For A Night is such a wonderful day out for all the family and an opportunity to showcase our region’s finest talents – of which James is definitely one!

“Our fantastic patron, Danny Adams, will be pulling out all the stops to help make this year’s event our biggest and best yet. All of our performers give their time and skills completely free to help us to raise essential funds to support our work - changing the lives of disabled youngsters across the North East.”

For tickets for the show go to: https://www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/events/smile-for-a-night-2024/

To find out more about the charity head to www.smileforlife.org.uk or search Smile For Life on social media.