Top comics wait in wings for Wolverhampton fundraiser

In aid of Wolverhampton’s Central Youth Theatre, the gala is back for 2019 for another evening of comical fun at the Grand Theatre on Wednesday, June 5.

It's another stellar line-up of professional comedians, with no less than four Edinburgh Festival Award Winners.

Headlining the bill this year is the 2008 Edinburgh comedy award winner Irish comedian David O'Doherty who is a regular on BBC and Channel 4 TV shows including  QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Would I Lie to You?.

Appearing alongside him is last year’s Edinburgh comedy award winner Rose Matafeo and star of XFM John Robins who won the same award in 2017.

Compering the evening will be Hilarity’s own, unique compere Dan Kitson – the oldest of the Edinburgh Comedy Award winners – having won it in 2002.

And also making his first appearance on stage at the Grand is the rising star Tom Allen who has starred on Sunday Brunch, Live At The Apollo and Bake Off - An Extra Slice.

Founding director of Central Youth Theatre Jane Ward said everyone involved was excited for 'another fantastic night'.

Newcomer

She said: "The night isn’t short on home-grown talent either in the form of Oldbury comedian Darren Harriott fresh from his recent appearance on Live At The Apollo and his best newcomer nomination at Edinburgh in 2017.

"And completing the bill is Wolverhampton’s very own Tom Parry. A former member of CYT and our most active patron, he produces the gala every year, constantly scouring the country to find the best line-up of top class comedians to ensure the success of each show.

"No other comedy night in Wolverhampton has such a stellar line-up.

"This year Tom is presenting some material from his forthcoming Edinburgh show Parryoke if he has finally managed to overcome the disappointment of being at Wembley for the Wolves v Watford Semi Final."

Ms Ward founded the theatre group 35 years ago, and received an MBE for her efforts.

The gala raises funds to enable CYT to offer affordable youth theatre provision for all young people from across the city.

Tickets are available from Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, priced between £18 to £28. To book call 01902 429212 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk