The Durham gigs scene is as busy as always this week. Here's our roundup of what's on for this week, Monday to Saturday April 8-14.

Whether it's an evening concert to keep you going during the working week, a good play or even some comedy to kick off the weekend, there are plenty of Durham events to suit most tastes. Here's what's on for the next seven days.

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#1: Hilarity Bitesize comedy night, Darlington

The Hole in the Wall in Darlington is hosting the Hilarity Bitesize New Act and New Material Night, with Thomas Green, host Andy Fury and support.

It takes place on Monday April 8 and doors are at 7.30pm. The Advertiser has said that Thomas Green's 'quick-witted exchanges and improvisation with audience members are truly impressive, clever and natural', while the BBC describes Andy Fury as an 'absolute genius of a comedian'.

Tickets cost £3 plus 30p booking fee. You can purchase tickets* from the official booking page.

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#2: Johnny Dowd, Durham Old Laundrette

The American alternative country musician Johnny Dowd heads to Durham Old Laundrette on Marshall Terrace in Gilesgate Moor (DH1 2HX), on Wednesday April 10, doors 7pm. The support is on at 7.50pm and Johnny Dowd will start his set at around 8.30pm.

Tickets* cost £14 plus £1.40 booking fee from the official booking page.

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#3: George Welch and Christine Jeans, Durham Old Laundrette

Another gig at the Durham Old Laundrette, this time on Friday April 12, doors 7pm. It features the baritone voice of North East music stalwart George Welch along with the banjo playing of Christine Jeans.

Tickets* cost £10 plus £1 booking fee from the official booking page.

#4: Ceitidh Mac, Claypath Delicatessen

Ceitidh Mac is a cellist and singer who combines the warming tones of the cello with her voice, communicating through an honest and intriguing take on song-writing. There is a heavy folk influence prominent in her songs, coupled with contemporary electronic and lo-fi music, which is brought to life with unusual instrumentation such as vibraphone and synth.

The night also features Matt Grant, who describes himself as a fingerstyle/live looping guitarist offering up lazy vibes for you to study, sleep, travel or chill with.

The gig is on Saturday April 13, doors 5.45pm.

Tickets* cost £10 plus £1 booking fee from the official booking page.

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#5: Chris Stokes - We Don't Need Roads, The Jumping Bean Durham

One for the comedy fans. Award-winning comedian Chris Stokes is embarking upon his very first own tour. Chris Stokes has appeared on BBC Three, Radio 4 and Dave, supported Milton Jones and Jason Manford on UK tours, and been named on the BBC New Talent Hotlist.

The Chris Stokes comedy gig takes place on Sunday April 14, with doors at 7.30pm, at the Jumping Bean Cafe on Neville Street, just off North Road.

Tickets* cost £5 plus 50p booking fee in advance from the official booking page or £10 on the door.

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#6: Recorder Fringe Festival, Ushaw

This is a chance to see some of the best young musicians in the country performing, over the weekend of April 13-14.

Finalists from the BBC Young Musician competition will be among those taking part in the Recorder Fringe Festival, which is part of the Society of Recorder Players National Festival being hosted in Durham's Ushaw for 2019.

You can read the full itinerary in our story on the Society of Recorder Players national festival.

#7: St John Passion, Durham Cathedral

For Palm Sunday, Durham Cathedral Choir and the Avison Ensemble, led by Pavlo Beznosiuk. perform Bach's dramatic account of Christ's trial and crucifixion. Conducted by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist at Durham Cathedral.  

It takes place on Sunday April 14 at 7pm.

Tickets cost from £8 up to £28 and can be bought on the Durham Cathedral booking page.

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#8: Seann Walsh, Gala Theatre

Renowned comedian Seann Walsh brings his show 'After this one, I'm going home' to the Gala Theatre. The Guardian calls Seann Walsh 'unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation'.

Returning from his run in America, where he made his USA television debut appearance on Conan, Seann Walsh is back on tour in the UK. He has appeared numerous times on television, including Sky, the BBC and ITV. He's also appeared on panel shows as well as shows such as Live at the Apollo and The Jonathan Ross Show.

Seann Walsh's Gala Theatre show is rated 14+ (parental guidance), as there is likely to be swearing and adult content.

Tickets cost £15 and can be booked on the Gala Theatre booking page.

#9: The Voice UK, CoHo

Reckon you've got some singing talent? Then head to CoHo in Freeman's Place in Durham for The Voice auditions. It's on Wednesday April 10 between 5.30-9pm. Call Coho on 0191 374 1000 for more information.

#10: An Audience with Cannon and Ball, Witham

The Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle is hosting the classic comedians Cannon and Ball, featuring sketches, songs, storytelling and an audience question and answer session.

Cannon and Ball are in Barnard Castle on Friday April 12, from 7.30-9.30pm.

Tickets cost £18, £16 concessions, and can be booked on the Witham booking page.

#11: The Jerseys - Oh What A Nite!, Witham

A fantastic evening show celebrating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It's on Saturday April 13 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost from £17 to £20, and can be booked on the Witham booking page.

Feature image credit: Raph_PH (CC BY 2.0)