Henning Wehn, Griff Rhys Jones and Phill Jupitus will be among the top entertainers of today taking part in a fund-raiser being held to safeguard the future of the UK’s biggest festival of vintage screen comedy.
Germany’s comedy ambassador Henning Wehnand Never Mind The Buzzcocks’team captain Phill Jupituswill be among the current day stars appearing at Reading’s The Hexagon this June for a fund-raiser in aid of the UK’s biggest celebration of the best-loved comedians of yesteryear: the Slapstick Festival.
Hosted by actor, comedian and TV presenter Griff Rhys Jones, The Big Comedy Bash is happening at The Hexagon on Monday June 4 (7.30pm) to help meet the spiralling costs of mounting Slapstick’s yearly salute to such silent screen entertainers as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton and their visual comedy successors including The Goodies, Monty Python and The Young Ones.
The full line-up is still being finalised but others taking part will include Struck Off and Die’s co-founder Dr Phil Hammondand one of the wow acts from Britain’s Got Talent 2017, singing impressionist Jess Robinson.
Announcing the plans Slapstick’s director Chris Danielsaid: “We’re thrilled that so many of today’s top comedians recognise the importance of remembering the comedy greats of the past and are keen to help us raise the extra money needed to keep the festival going and growing. We’re also delighted that their generosity gives the public a unique chance to see such a stellar array of contemporary comedy talent in action live on the same bill.”
Host Griff Rhys Jones added: “I’m delighted to be hosting Slapstick’s comedy fundraiser. It’s a great festival and one I’ve enjoyed attending and taking part in. It’s a very good cause and it’ll be a great and very funny night.”
Tickets for THE BIG COMEDY BASH are £26 each, including all booking fees, from the Hexagon’s box office, Queens Walk, Reading RG1 7UA, telephone 0118 960 6060 or visit https://www.readingarts.com/hexagon/whats-on/big-comedy-bash.
