Eastbourne People’s Assembly's first Comedy Night fundraiser is a sell-out!
7th March 2016
... Comments

The first fundraising Comedy Night held by the Eastbourne People’s Assembly on Saturday 5th March at St. Elisabeth's Church Community Centre in Victoria Drive was a sell-out event. 180 people enjoying a packed line up of top class acts who between them represented a whole gamut of comedy styles. Following an introduction to the campaigning work of the People’s Assembly the opening set was the marvellously quirky characterisations of Jo Neary (‘Suffragettes’) who took the audience on a ghost tour, demonstrated how she'd love to be best friends with Bjork and resurrected the dancing style of Pan’s People.

By contrast, Ken Langfield’s performancewas a tsunami of rolling one liners, whileCally Beaton explored intimate issues with a series ofhilarious personal revelations. Wayne Lawrence's dry, witty and self-effacing reflections on his Brummie roots and accent were a perfect vehicle for his interpretations of life. Jules Oliver’s flowed amusingly for what seemed the unpromising opening remark that she was not a fan of falconry’, while from start to finish James McDonnell was a manic whirlwind of side-splitting irreverence. The evening ended with the dead pan, dry and slightly angry humour of Josh Dillon, whose centrepiece was the unconventional putting down of his sick dogand aunique take on the light bulb jokes. The entire eveningwas brought together brilliantly by our compere of choice, 'comedic medic' Rob Laing.

The line-up could not have been better and all the comedians generously performed for free and also lent vocal support to the People’s Assembly cause. And because of everyone's generosity the EPA now has over £1300 added to its fundsto support the group’s campaigns against austerity. For an organisation that had 99p only a few weeks back, the comedy night represented a huge boost for EPA. The organisers, ably led by Tamara Pescatore, would also like to thank St. Elisabeth’s Church for the use of their splendid auditorium, the sound engineer, the volunteers who helped set up the hall, run the bar, and clear up, and the many people who attended the comedy night.

Austerity is the result of the government’s erroneous claim that there is not enough money to maintain public expenditure at previous levels. The EPA says austerity is creating increasing inequality in our society which is bad for everyone. The EPAsays there is enough money if it is distributed fairly. The EPA aims to challenge the story of austerity and replace it with a new story of fairness, justice, prosperity and equality for us all. It meets weekly and everyone is welcome to join.

If you want to find out more please contact eastbourne.peoplesassembly@yahoo.co.uk

More
About the Author

Andy Durling

Member since: 28th October 2013

Having left behind careers as a professional nurse and a charity administrator, and deftly weaving a delicate path through the existential crises of middle age and semi-retirement, I am currently Co-ordinator...

Popular Categories