Ed Waugh raising awareness of An Evening with Jeff Brown and Ian Payne event

Two of the North East’s most loved television icons will be sharing the stage for an evening of fun and laughter, with tickets now available, thanks to a man with Northumberland and North Tyneside links.

Jeff Brown and Ian Payne, who present award-winning local news on the BBC and Tyne Tees respectively, will be appearing on a personal basis and attendees will get the chance to learn about the interests and lives of these TV personalities who have been welcome guests in our living rooms for decades.

Jeff, 61, who hails from Roker, co-presents BBC Look North with local treasure Carol Malia. He celebrated joining the BBC 20 years ago last week (June 2003). Prior to that, Jeff was a journalist on local newspapers and joined Tyne Tees in 1996, where he worked with the legendary Mike Neville.

Ian, 55, originally from Ipswich, came to study in Newcastle in 1986 and never left! He joined Tyne Tees in 1992 from Nova International where he worked with Brendan Foster on the Great North Run. Ian has shared news presenting duties with Mike Neville and the much-loved Pam Royle.

Despite being on rival stations they are good mates – having worked together at Tyne Tees for six and a half years in the 1990s – and agreed to do the talks after being approached by playwright and producer Ed Waugh.

Ed, whose hit plays include Wor Bella and Hadaway Harry, explained: “I’ve worked with Jeff and Ian at various times, especially at Sunday for Sammy and the Laffalang. They’re both great lads, really entertaining and interesting people.

“Whenever we get together it’s one long laugh. Their stories are captivating and hilarious.

“They are both cultural icons of the region – that’s why I suggested this event, so people can get to know them better.”

The event, to be held at the prestigious Lit & Phil in Westgate Road, Newcastle city centre, will take place on Wednesday, September 6, at 2pm and 6.30pm. The afternoon talk has been added because of popular demand.

Tickets, which cost £6, are limited to 80 per performance and can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-jeff-brown-bbc-ian-payne-itv-tyne-tees-tickets-618953325057?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail and www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-jeff-brown-bbc-ian-payne-itv-tyne-tees-tickets-618998119037?aff=erelpanelorg or from the Lit & Phil in person or via telephone – 0191 232 0192.