In an ad break takeover on Dave

The Dave channel is to give over one of its ad breaks tonight to comedians telling funny anecdotes, all set to animation.

Alex Horne, Lou Sanders, Phil Wang and Natasia Demetriou are among the 17 comics who will be sharing stories of friendship as part of the ‘comedy festival in an ad break’.

The takeover comes on International Friendship Day as part of the channel’s partnership with the Campaign Against Living Miserably, which aims to reduce suicide.

The other comedians taking part are: Ahir Shah, Dane Baptiste, Darren Harriott, David Mumeni, Ed Gamble, Elf Lyons, Jamali Maddix, Jessie Cave, Maisie Adam, Pierre Novellie, Sindhu Vee, Stevie Martin and Zoe Lyons. Jessica Knappett will provide the voiceover.

The ad takeover and subsequent promotional films will encourage people to do something to show a mate that they’re there for them.

Luke Hales, Dave’s channel director, said: ‘We want to use Dave’s reach to encourage people to get in touch with friends who need a reminder that someone is thinking of them and someone cares. 

‘The "comedy festival in an ad break" is a unique Dave way of doing this. Funny and warm, and ultimately by encouraging men to reach out to their friends, we are supporting CALM’s mission to create a more positive and open culture when it comes to mental health.’

Simon Gunning, CALM’s chief executive, added: ‘Comedy can be a fantastic platform for what may have traditionally been deemed difficult conversations around mental health and being there for your friends when things get tough. 

‘This partnership allows us to reach a broad audience with a funny and entertaining execution, all underpinned with an important message throughout.’

Earlier this month Dave was unveiled as the new sponsor of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Here's an earlier sketch in the tie-up between Dave and CALM, which runs a helpline on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight daily.

Published: 30 Jul 2019