Clubbing together for the homeless

26+ stand-up nights in one charity fundraising drive

At least 26 comedy clubs are combining to raise money to help the homeless next week.

The Homeless Support Stand-Up Project came from stand-up Lindsay Davies, who volunteers at a shelter in Leigh in Lancashire. She said she was compelled to act after on man who used the charity died from pneumonia whilst sleeping rough.

She said: ‘As our charity, The Homeless Support Project, is run by volunteers and reliant on donations I set up a comedy charity night on December 14.

‘Then I started to think about the homeless situation as a whole in the UK so contacted numerous promoters and clubs to see if they were willing to do the same for their local homeless shelter or charity. This way many charities throughout the UK will receive a cash boost for Christmas and help during the winter season.’

She added that the aim is to run this initiative each year and grow the number of comedy nights and charities benefitting.

So far 26 clubs, almost all in the north of England, have confirmed shows as part of the project, with about half a dozen more imminent.

While next Thursday is the official date for the gigs, regulars shows on other nights are also getting involved. Charities benefitting include The Salvation Amy, Coffee 4 Craig and the Shrewsbury Arc.

Davies added: ‘The amount of people getting involved is beyond my initial expectations and I’m proud to be a part of such a wonderful, comedy community. The event would not happen without every single promoter and comedian involved and I hold my hand out to them all with sincere gratitude.

‘It won’t solve the problem but it will be a boost to so many non-profit charities who work so hard to help our country’s homeless.’

Here is the current list of clubs taking part. Full details are on the Homeless Support Stand-Up Project website.

SUNDAY 10th

Stockton On Tees: The Cutty Bang Cabaret Show, Music Lounge, Yarm Lane

TUESDAY 12th

Leeds: Headrow House, The Headrow

Medway: Cool Beans, 17 High Street, Brompton (also Wednesday and Thurdsay)

WEDNESDAY 13th

Manchester: Frog and Bucket, Oldham Street

Manchester: The Clinic, Gullivers, Oldham Street

Manchester: Oink Punk Bingo, The Blue Pig High Street

Manchester: The Comedy Balloon, The Ape and Apple, John Dalton Street