The Refugee Council’s hugely successful comedy night ‘No Laughing Matter’ returns to London’s legendary Comedy Store on Monday 20 September. The event then travels for the first time to Leeds, where an impressive line-up will feature at The Wardrobe on Wednesday 29 September.

The London bill features top names including John Fothergill, Ian Stone, Marty Wilson, Shazia Mirza, Jeff Innocent, Steve Gribbin and Ivor Dembina, and is compered by Comedy Store regular Paul Thorne.

The line-up at the Wardrobe is equally outstanding, featuring Tim Vine, Jim Jeffries, Jason John Whitehead and Steve Hughes, with Toby Foster the Compere for the evening.

Paul Thorne, London Compere, said:

“As a comedian I get to exercise freedom of expression every night of the week and the worst that can happen is a room full of people won’t laugh. It shocks me that some people in the world are forced to flee torture and persecution just because they try to exercise the same basic human right”.

The Refugee Council is the leading charitable organisation in the UK working with asylum seekers and refugees. It provides practical support and advice to asylum seekers and refugees, and campaigns for their rights in the UK and abroad.

Elizabeth Bananuka, Events Manager at the Refugee Council said:

“No Laughing Matter! is a unique opportunity to see a fantastic line-up of some of the finest comedians in the business at the same time as helping support refugees.”

The money raised will help fund the Refugee Council’s vital work with asylum seekers and refugees here in the UK. All the performers are giving their time for free.

Ends

Notes to editor:

“No Laughing Matter” – a comedy night in aid of the Refugee Council takes place at the following venues:

The Comedy Store, 1a Oxendon Street, London SW1Y 4EE, Monday 20 September 2004. Tickets £14 in advance from Ticketmaster on 0870 154 4040 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk or £15 / £20 on the door.

The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Buildings, St Peter’s Square, Leeds LS9 8AH, Wednesday 29 September 2004. Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the door available from The Wardrobe tel. 0113 383 8800. [Tickets go on sale Monday 6th September]

Comedians are available to be interviewed subject to prior arrangement.