Benefit gigs for tsunami victims

Britain’s comedy industry has rushed to respond to the tsunami disaster, with several fundraising gigs already set up.

In Scotland, the monthly gay nights taking place at The Stand clubs in Edinburgh tonight and Glasgow tomorrow have pledged all their profits to the cause.

In Manchester, the Frog and Bucket club has organised a benefit gig for the victims next Wednesday, January 12.

And in London's outskirts, Pub Landlord Al Murray, pictured, is to headline a fundraiser at the Comedy Bunker in Ruislip next Thursday.

Plans are also under way for similar gigs at the Comedy Store and Laughing Horse venues, with the possibility of a major gig at a theatre such as the Palladium.

At the Stand, director  Tommy Sheppard said: “Once we’ve covered the guys’ expenses, every penny will go to the relief fund.

“Everyone here is very moved by the tragedy. We’ll keep on doing what we do, but we're aiming to raise a few thousand pounds while we do it.”
 
The club will also be asking punters for donations, and Sheppard has promised to match pound-for-pound whatever the customers give.

“It’s maybe not a lot, but at least we feel we’ll be doing something,” Sheppard said.

Money raised at the gigs, headlined by Topping and Butch will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, while next week’s Manchester gig is raising money for the Red Cross.

The show will be headlined by Justin Moorhouse and compered by Toby Hadoke. Also on the bill are John Bishop, John Warburton, Mike Belgrave and Dave Longley.

Details of the London gigs have yet to be finalised.

>> To donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee

Published: 4 Jan 2005