Mock the Week’s witty wordsmith Rhys James and popular satirist Rosie Holt, whose videos skewering politics have achieved 6.5 million views, are headlining Cracking Comedy in aid of Women and Children First at the Leicester Square Theatre on Monday 22nd May.
The line-up includes award winners, brilliant breakthrough acts and top TV comics. Everyone who buys a ticket to the show will help raise money for Women and Children First, an organisation that helps women, children, mothers, and their babies to survive and thrive in some of the world’s most rural, remote communities.
For those outside London, the show will be livestreaming through stand-up comedy service NextUp and be available on demand for 72 hours. NextUp will donate the first payment of any new subscription (minus processing fees) to Women and Children First, as the evening aims to raise vital funds to help the charity’s work with women and girls.
One of the Mock the Week regulars and star of Live at the Apollo, Rhys James is renowned for his sell-out shows and crowd-pleasing, lightning-paced sets that are full of gags. He’s been seen on The Great American Joke Off, House of Games and A League of Their Own.
Rosie Holt is an actor, comedian, and satirist. She is best known for her popular satirical videos on Twitter of her playing an MP. She’s a winner of the Chortle Social Media Award 2022. The Times named her in its 10 Best Political Comedies.
Also known for his imaginative, whimsical online videos that have gone viral, Alasdair Beckett-King has performed at Glastonbury, the Edinburgh Fringe and several international comedy festivals. He also won Chortle Breakthrough Act in the 2023 awards.
Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer winner Lara Ricote is taking part, along with ‘unpretentious pseudo-comedomusicologist’ Jazz Emu, whose quirky pop music tunes have earnt him two Chortle awards, for Best ‘Social Media’ and Best Variety Act.
Rachel Fairburn co-hosts and co-writes smash hit podcast All Killa No Filla. Her stand-up has seen her nominated among Chortle’s One to Watch and she was chosen among The Times’s best jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe 2022.
Sikisa is getting a fast-growing reputation on the circuit, thanks to her authentic, fearless and vivacious personality. She’s been on TV programmes including Live at The Apollo, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, and The Stand Up Sketch Show.
Also seen on TV, Harriet Kemsley regularly appears on both 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and 8 out of 10 Cats.
Vix Leyton, host of ‘The Comedy Arcade’ podcast and ambassador of Women and Children First will MC the show, fusing whimsical charm with biting wit.
Rosie Holt says, “Usually I just support charities that help couples-in-need decorate their houses in gold wallpaper, but I have made an exception for Women and Children First, a wonderful charity putting on a fantastic night.”
Alasdair Beckett-King quips, “I'm honoured to be taking part in Cracking Comedy in support of Women and Children First. "Women and Children First" is the best catchphrase to come out of a maritime disaster since "Iceberg? What Iceberg?"
Vix Leyton adds, “This is a who’s who of the best in comedy coming together for a brilliant cause. I’m so proud to guide audiences through this spring spectacular, it’s great value. You’ll also be supporting the tireless work of Women and Children First, helping thousands of women reach the level of care we are lucky enough to take for granted.”
Mikey Rosato, Chief Executive of Women and Children First, states, “I’m thrilled so many brilliant comedians are giving their support to help women and children survive and thrive. Our life-changing, life-saving work, empowering women to address critical health problems, is only possible thanks to the kindness of our supporters and the public. Please come and join us, or tune into the livestream, for a night of great entertainment and raucous laughter.”
Tom Brandt, Head of Content at NextUp, notes: “Women and Children First is a brilliant, important charity we're extremely pleased to be able to support through the live streaming of the show. Their work across the globe speaks for itself, it's a fantastic cause, and we're proud to contribute to what is shaping up to be a superb night of comedy.”
Tickets are available for £23 each, plus booking fees, from the Leicester Square Theatre website:
The livestream show can be accessed via NextUp for £10, or with an annual membership of £35. It’s accessible wherever you are in the world.