Healthwatch Essex is partnering with top comedians of ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘Netflix’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ fame to introduce a brand-new, free, comedy night raising awareness of men’s health. The charity has previously run football-themed ‘Fellas Fair’ events and are now pleased to introduce their brand-new comedy night event in partnership with Lost Sock Productions: ‘A Healthy Dose of Humour’.
The event, held at The County Hotel in Chelmsford on 27th June 2024, will bring together a mixture of comedy and leading professionals and organisations in the health and care industry.
Before and after the comedy show, guests will have the opportunity to speak to professionals about topics relating to and affecting men’s health, ranging from addiction to mental health and long-term conditions. Some of the organisations in attendance include: Gambling Harm, Robin Cancer Trust, iCARP, MAN v FAT and Combat2Coffee.
The event boasts an exciting line-up of comedians:
The evening’s MC, Rich Wilson, is popularly regarded as one of the UK’s best by comedians such as Frank Skinner and Sarah Millican. Rich has headlined major UK comedy clubs, performed his comedy internationally, and is also the host of popular podcast series ‘Insane in the Men Brain’ – focused on mental health. Rich also currently has his own Netflix show titled ‘You Could Have It So Much Better’
One of Independent on Sunday’s “top 10 comedians in Britain”, Mike Gunn, has previously supported the likes of Jo Brand, Alan Davies and Lee Mack on tour, and now headlines top comedy venues across the world. He has also taken two solo shows to the Edinburgh Festival, one of which takes a comedic look at his experiences of drug addiction and recovery.
Stefano Paolini, Britain’s Got Talent 2022 semi-finalist, brings his blend of quality stand-up, impressions, and beatboxing to the event. His 20 years of stand-up comedy experience have seen him perform at venues across the UK and internationally. Stefano has also made appearances on shows including BBC’S “So You Think You’re Funny?” and has provided voices for Channel 4’s ‘Bromwell High’ series, BBC 2’s ‘Double Take’, and Radio 4’s ‘Dead Ringers’.
Samantha Glover, Healthwatch Essex CEO, says:
“This comedy event is a great way to engage with men in a comfortable and non-medical space. Building on the success of previous events at Heybridge Swifts, Braintree Town Football Club and the family event at Hullbridge Sport and Leisure Centre, we have seen that bringing health and care information to places where men already are is an approach that works. We know that the ‘Fella’s Fair’ has already resulted in some men accessing services which has directly led to a diagnosis and support they wouldn’t otherwise have received. We want to do what we can to help people realise there is support out there, encourage conversations and remind people they are not alone. We have a fantastic line-up of comedians, and a wide range of professionals who will be present with information and advice on the night. Hopefully this will be a prescription for success!”
Martyn Davies, Founder of Lost Sock Productions, says:
“We are proud to be partnering with Health Watch Essex & the Fella’s Fair to bring this new evening of laughter & wellbeing to fruition. I’m extremely passionate about showing how stand-up comedy can be used as a tool to help promote better men’s health & wellbeing. Having launched the UK’s first Professional Alcohol-Free Comedy Club in London two years ago, I have seen how laughter has an important part to play in our wellbeing. With the added benefit of health care professionals available on the evening for advice and support, this is most definitely a night out the doctor ordered! Personally, in the past I have struggled with mental health & addiction, and I know how incredibly hard it is to ask for help. By removing barriers and taking a different stance with this, I’m really excited to see how an evening laughing out loud will help make engagement & support more accessible to men.”
