I have to admit, coming home on a very crowded train clutching a large programme from Channel 4's Comedy Gala with the instruction: "Laugh your tits off. Grow them back. Laugh them off again." did make me feel somewhat self-conscious.
What if people thought I simply hadn't laughed my tits off? Or failed to laugh them off again. Perhaps my fellow public transport users thought my tits just returned as I left the O2 Arena. I had not actually laughed my tits off, but I did have a great time.
Funny Women was invited to watch the Channel 4 Comedy Gala from the comfort of a fancy box, with crisps and great company from GQ magazine, FHM, and Digital Spy. We were treated to a backstage tour to see lots of staff members running around looking faintly panicked as show time approached. With such a sparkling and experienced cast waiting in the wings (or sweating in their dressing rooms) they had little to panic about.
This was the fifth Channel 4 Comedy Gala, which raises funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the first one to take place without the guidance of comedy agent Addison Cresswell who died just before Christmas last year. It was Addison who kickstarted the gala, having asked on a visit to Great Ormond Street hospital how he could help. The hospital said they needed more money and lo, the Comedy Gala was born.
It's thanks to Addison's hard work and the Comedy Gala that the hospital is currently in the midst of a major redevelopment programme, including an additional operating theatre capacity. This will give them more space and the ability to treat up to 20% more children. Over the past four years they have raised over £2.5 million.
We saw some of the UK's favourite comedians, Jo Brand, Lee Evans, Jack Dee and Michael McIntyre take to the stage with the Gala's host Alan Carr keeping everyone in check. Funny Women Awards 2003 finalist Kerry Godliman, fresh from filming 'Derek', took to the stage and reminded us that she's a great stand up as well as actor. Aisling Bea wore an outfit that was very fitting to the occasion and talked incredibly fast while explaining why she talks incredibly fast – it was quite impressive!
It is wonderful to see Addison's memory honoured in support of such a good cause.
Kate Stone @SqueamishBikini
You will have to wait to see what went down at the Channel 4 Comedy Gala in June. Do tune in. Hold on to your tits.
Pictured: Kerry Godliman in 2004 at the very first Funny Women at the Fringe, Edinburgh
