Comic relief for flood victims

The roof will be raised at Halifax's Victoria Theatre on Monday, February 8, when some of the biggest names in UK comedy take to the stage.
Justin MoorhouseJustin Moorhouse
Justin Moorhouse

Sarah Millican, Rory Bremner, Chris Ramsey, Justin Moorhouse, Calderdale lad Jack Carroll - and a mystery guest - are giving their time at the ‘Wring Out the Clowns’ Comedy Gala to raise money for those affected by the Boxing Day floods.

Oldham-based promoter Rob Riley runs long-running monthly comedy nights in Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge.

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He said: “I was on holiday in Egypt when I received a text telling me about the flooding and I couldn’t believe the scenes of devastation I was seeing online.

“I really wanted to help but I was thousands of miles away. I thought there would be no harm in sending a few emails out to find out who would be be up for a benefit gig. I was gob-smacked by the standard of acts who replied and now the whole thing has taken on a life of its own.”

Calderdale Council has hired out the theatre free of charge and all money raised will be split between the Community Foundation for Calderdale and Upper Calder Valley Renaissance.

Rory Bremner has also pledged to give fund-raising shows for those affected by flooding in Lancashire and Cumbria later this month. He said: “I love Hebden Bridge and when I was last there on a sunny afternoon last autumn, all seemed normal, the river flowing harmlessly and the floods of 2012 are hard to imagine.”

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available on 01422 351158.