Comedy 4 Christie's
IT seems that however sombre the cause behind the charity is, the event to raise money for it is a joyous, reclaiming occasion.
It’s in part the reason why there are so many fundraising comedy nights.
And what better way to earn some money for a cancer charity than with a laugh?
It’s a microcosm of the bittersweet qualities of life itself – of the tribulations and their contrasting highpoints.
Moral dilemma
It also sees the comedian juggling with the moral dilemma as to whether it’s ok to make a joke about the comedy cul-de-sac that is the ‘c’ word (and before you start to tip-tap-away at an angry email - the subject of the joke is the disease, not the people who have it).
Comedian Phil Buckley wanted his event to be just that - as fun as possible, “the idea behind the show is acts with a strong connection to Manchester joining together to help The Christie hospital in Withington carry on the amazing work they are doing to help people.
We have stand up, sketch, musical acts and even a little burlesque to entertain and make you laugh.
I wanted a show that wasn’t just stand up comedy, the only rule was the acts had to be funny.”
Quick succession
Everyone knows someone who has had the disease, if not lived with it yourself, and Buckley is no exception as two very close relatives of his girlfriend Kay’s had died of cancer in quick succession.
“They were both helped by The Christie. I found it hard because I kept wishing there was something I could do to help and there wasn’t. Then I realised that I could help The Christie to help others.”
Buckley is chuffed with the line up he managed to bring together, “all the acts I’ve contacted have been brilliant and are all behind the night and more than happy to give their time and talent for free to raise as much money as possible for such a good cause. For that I personally owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”
Compering the night is Phoenix Nights’ Justin Moorhouse whom Buckley first met when he was working at The Lowry as a freelance technician and Moorhouse was appearing as Smee in Peter Pan.
Huge fan
“When I first started planning the event one of the first people I contacted was Justin Moorhouse who is going to host the evening. I’m a huge fan of Justin’s and when I asked him to appear I was delighted that he not only agreed to do the show, he offered to host the whole evening.
“Since then (the panto) I’ve had the pleasure of working and gigging with him on several occasions and am thrilled he is doing the show.”
Another star of the show that Buckley has worked with at the Lowry is Gary Morris, a quarter of the Slaughterhouse Live cabaret show who put on an annual show at the theatre.
“Gary Morris was also right at the top of my wish list for the show. Gary is a brilliant character act as well as a comedian in his own right and he’ll be appearing as the ‘world famous children’s author’ Beryl Haines and Dave Media, two of his best known characters.”
Took the roof off
John Warburton was a late addition to the show; “John is an award winning comedian, writer and former DJ for 96.2 The Revolution.
Also he’s an act from Bury and there aren’t that many of us so we tend to band together,” chuckles Buckley.
From Malawi via Canada is comic Daliso Chaponda, “I first met Daliso when he had been in England a short time and turned up to do The Comedy Balloon.
''Typically the Balloon is filled with newer acts or more experienced acts trying out a few ideas and new material but Daliso just came in and looked the headline act he is and took the roof off.”
Embracing the silliness
In a change of mood, but still embracing the silliness, The Chantilly Belles are a burlesque act featuring Gemma Parker and Rene.
“They’re going to be performing a new piece which they have never done on stage.”
Then the headline act is the magnificent Stockport mother of five and a pound shop version of Judy Finnigan, Mrs Barbara Nice as brought to life by Janice Connolly. Though a native of these parts,
“Janice is no longer lives in Manchester and yet as soon as I asked her if she was available she said she would travel up from Birmingham. I’ve worked with Janice a lot over the years with pantos and stand up and there is no other act like hers.”
Nightmare
So the night looks set to be another boost for the charity. “It’s hard at times to remember that cancer can often be beaten and The Christie is one of the best places to be treated,” adds Buckley. Plus his girlfriend will be pleased.
“This last year I seem to have slowly made my girlfriend’s life a nightmare with my act,” laughs Buckley, “it’s nice to do something that she’d like for a change,” he smiles.
Comedy 4 Christie’s is at the Lowry on Sunday, July 5.
Published: Sat, 28 June, 2008
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