On a rainy post-bank holiday Wednesday it can be hard to raise a smile. However, comedian and TV star Joel Dommett, along with plenty of special guests, will be raising smiles and plenty of much needed funds for charity with their show Comic Relief Live tonight (Komedia, 30th May, 8pm).
Despite the costs many performers experience putting on a production there are plenty who use the platform provided to them to fundraise or raise awareness for a cause close to their hearts
Despite the costs many performers experience putting on a production there are plenty who use the platform provided to them to fundraise or raise awareness for a cause close to their hearts. Earlier this month, Brighton Spiegeltent played hosted to the Heart of the Fringe Show, a charity cabaret, circus and music showcase which raised money for Clowns Without Borders. Seán Leonard was inspired by his character in Humanity Dick: A Tale of Beasts and Bullets to use his show to help raise money for Brighton RSPCA. Popular comedian Jane Postlethwaite harnessed her own experiences with mental health in Last Night at the Circus to raise awareness about mental health and especially the Brighton based suicide prevention charity, Grassroots and their app Stay Alive. These are just a few examples out of a whole host of charitable performers and theatre makers making a difference for important causes.
Fundraising now takes many forms. Bake sales remain popular, but no doubt your Facebook feed is full of friends completing sponsored marathons, sky dives and more. Perhaps the online version of a charity auctions is crowdfunding, which has quickly become another important way to raise funds. Earlier this year, Brighton Fringe suffered a £20,000 deficit in their budget after losing their headline supporter and in response, started a Crowdfunder campaign. Acts from all over the Fringe rallied to the cause and donated a range of prizes ranging from merchandise such as stickers, badges and bags to personalised performances from Brighton's Singing Barber and your own private silent disco hosted by international Fringe favourite Guru Dudu. The quirky gifts on offer worked and, just over a month later, Brighton Fringe successfully raised £21,600 with donations from over 338 supporters.
Comic Relief Live is relying on a cracking line up of popular and up-and-coming star talent to draw the crowds. You’ll probably recognise comedian and host Joel Dommett from his appearances on shows such as Skins and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! He's joined by special guests Sofie Hagen, Larry Dean, Angela Barnes, Catherine Bohart and Lauren Pattison, so it is sure to be a memorable night. With at least £5 from each ticket sale going to Comic Relief, it will put a smile on someone else’s face too - and you don’t even have to wear a red nose.
