Gags for Good are holding a comedy night in Sheffield this Sunday, celebrating International Women’s Day in support of YWCA Yorkshire.
There will be a line-up of eight “fierce” female comics, all donating their time for the cause. Broadcaster and presenter Liesl Soards headlining the event, which will be held at Heist Brew Co, Neepsend.
April Louise, co-organiser of Gags for Good said: “It’ll be a brilliant night for everyone, and it will also show why the organisation (YWCA Yorkshire) matters. It’s our region and it makes a massive impact.”
YWCA Yorkshire work to fund life-changing services for women and children facing challenging circumstances in Sheffield. The charity is particularly close to co-organiser Nicole Scott’s heart, as she also works within the charity.
April said: “You’re having a good time, its going to a good cause, it’s a bit like a happy cycle.”
Co-founders April and Nicole said that the purpose of the night is to represent female comedians who currently make up just 25% of comics. Alongside their work, they have organised comedy courses, which help support women with social anxiety to become more confident public speakers.
April said: “I genuinely believe that all events should be like this, and have some form of social impact, which is why I set up Gags for Good – because I don’t want to make money from it, I want to help people.”
The event will be a “supportive space” April said: “The acts are so nice to each other, and it’s a great atmosphere. There’s no animosity between the acts, because everyone’s got a different voice and everyone uplifts each other.”
“We’re not afraid to tackle subjects that would usually make people uncomfortable. So I talk a lot about my breast cancer experience, Nicole talks about her husband leaving her. It’s a real feminist vibe. Whereas we’re told not to talk about breasts or giving birth.”
After what April describes was a “difficult set” in a “big football crowd” she said an audience member approached her after her comedy set about her breast cancer experience, saying it “strangely cheered me up”.
April said: “I realised it was worth me standing up there and doing my bit, telling these men to listen to me so even one woman can say I’ve cheered her up.”
Tickets are still available for the event and are on sale here.
