Comedy: Cheering On Amaze

With its fifth Big Cheer, this annual local fundraiser goes from strength to strength

It may seem ages away but October 22nd’s massive fundraiser for local charity Amaze – supporting families with disabled children – is almost upon us. It’s a calendar-placer of a gig, mostly due to the fact that one of the charity’s high profile patrons is Henry Normal, who along with Steve Coogan created the multi award-winning production company Baby Cow. With TV shows such as Gavin & Stacey, The Mighty Boosh and Uncle in their back catalogue, it’s great that the comedy community has not been backward in coming forward once they heard about this incredible organisation.
Sparkling in this year’s line-up is Joe Wilkinson, as seen frequently on
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, headlining the incredible bill. Most frequently seen in Man Down and Taskmaster, Roisin Conaty will be taking to the stage too, alongside The Xtra Factor’s Matt Richardson, and Greg McHugh of Fresh Meat. Finishing off this top-heavy with talent collection is Ed Gamble, whose Peacock & Gamble podcast catapulted him and co-host Ray Peacock into a generation’s funny canon.

It’s a star-studded affair and at the time of going to press already one third of the tickets had sold out. Which is why this top tip is coming to you a month in advance. And in such a great comedy-specific venue as Komedia Downstairs it’s bound to be a smashing night.
For some laughs this week, head on down to the Ropetackle in Shoreham and see American comic Lewis Schaffer. Having arrived in the UK in 2000, he tells of how this has led to marriage, kids and divorce and how he’s “making the worst out of a bad situation”. The show is called ‘Free Until Famous’ and true to his word it is free, although there is a ticket booking fee of £1.50 and a collection made at the end of the night. Currently holding the record with the longest held residency as the prestigious Leicester Square Theatre, as well as previously being house compere to both the Comedy Cellar and the Boston Comedy Club in New York, Shaffer is not new to this game called ‘comedy’. Benefit from his experience, and then buy a ticket to a benefit for Amaze. Sorted.
Brighton Comedy Festival presents Big Cheer For Amaze, Komedia, Thursday 22 October 8pm, £17.50, 01273 290131, www.komedia.co.uk, www.brightoncomedyfestival.com