Life’s wild, messy, and totally unpredictable, so why not laugh your way through it?

Join comedians Athena Kugblenu and Jordan Gray alongside WOW Founder Director Jude Kelly CBE for an evening of sharp wit, outrageous stories, and chaotic fun. Together they’ll tackle the everyday madness of modern life: the strife, the silliness, and the surprising moments of joy that keep us going.

Returning to the North East where she filmed her record-breaking sitcom Transaction for ITV and fresh from another smash-hit Edinburgh Fringe run, Jordan Gray is one of UK comedy’s fastest rising stars. Her previous Fringe show Is It A Bird? (now streaming on Channel 4) won Channel 4's Breakthrough Comedy Star Award and was nominated for The Dave Comedy Award. She's also appeared on Q.I., The Last Leg and Big Brother Late and Live.

Athena Kugblenu is a comedian, writer and podcaster. You've probably heard her on News Quiz, You're Dead to Me and The Now Show or seen her on Mock the Week, Pointless and House of Games. She's written two books for children: History's Most Epic Fibs and History's Most Epic Fails and her unique brand of comedy has seen her appear at Edinburgh, Latitude, Hay and Brighton Book Festivals.

Athena and Jordan will bring their comedic flair to an honest conversation about how we can all find moments of joy, hope and hilarity in a chaotic world. Come ready for big laughs, bold truths, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to stay sane(-ish) is to stop taking it all so seriously. And who knows? With this line-up, there might even be a song or two thrown in for good measure.

Interpreted by Jenna Johnson and Captioned by My Clear Text.

This event takes place as part of WOW North East Festival. Founded in 2010, more than 150 WOW Festivals and events have now taken place in 71 locations across the world, and 2025 marks the first ever WOW Festival in the North East! Taking place in partnership with S&DR200,

WOW will pack Gala Durham full of unmissable talks, performances and workshops to celebrate the incredible women, girls and non-binary people of the North East.

Don’t miss the WOW North East Festival Day on Saturday 18 October – a day full of powerful conversations, joyful workshops and unforgettable performances.

WOW North East is presented by S&DR200 and WOW – Women of the World. S&DR200 events are delivered by Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Stockton-on Tees Borough Council, with support from North East Combined Authority.