Choose Laughs Festive Special, Playhouse Theatre

On Sunday 9 December, audiences at Covent Garden’s Playhouse Theatre are invited to laugh along with some of the most established names in comedy – all for a good cause. Proceeds from the Choose Laughs Festive Special are going to humanitarian charity Help Refugees, to help raise funds for winter supplies including warm blankets, hot meals and tents.

The line-up features some of the biggest names on the comedy scene, including Simon Amstell of Carnage and Grandma’s House, whose tours frequently sell out; and Angela Barnes of Mock the Week, The News Quiz and Live at the Apollo. A second Mock the Week veteran joins the line-up in the form of Nish Kumar – who’s also of Question Time and The Mash Report fame – meanwhile Stewart Lee and Katherine Ryan are also among the much-loved comedians taking to the stage.

Joining the starry stage is Mawaan Rizwan of BBC Two’s The Big Asian Stand-Up. Rose Matafeo, this year’s winner of Best Show at Edinburgh Fringe, is also performing a routine, as is Sofie Hagen of Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, who also runs the Made of Human podcast and won Best Newcomer at Edinburgh Fringe in 2015.

In less than three years, Help Refugees has become the biggest facilitator of grassroots aid on the continent, overseeing more than 80 projects across Europe and the Middle East. Boosted by the support of high-profile musicians, filmmakers, comedians and actors who joined the Choose Love campaign, the charity has worked to pioneer a new movement in humanitarian response.

‘We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support of all the brilliant comedians coming together to help raise funds for refugees this winter,’ says Josie Naughton, CEO of Help Refugees. ‘Freezing temperatures are just around the corner and people need warm clothes, blankets and nutritious food to stay healthy and safe. This night is all about laughter and love; bringing people together to have a great time while doing something practical to help.’