Comedians, celebrities and actors launched this year’s Red Nose Day, set to take place on 19th March. In a promotional video Shappi Khorsandi, Judi Dench and others discussed how laughter can be a tonic (we also spotted Katherine Ryan adding in a little giggle).
Khorsandi said: “No matter what, if you’re able to get that feeling of sharing a laugh with someone, then you’ve got a grip on who you are, and you’ve got a grip on hope.
“When I’m low, or when I’ve gone through the worst points in my life, sitting down with my brother, or a close friend, and laughing about the thing that is happening, laughing about the tragedy with someone who knows you and gets your humour is exactly what you need.”
Dench said: “I absolutely and implicitly believe in laughter being the best medicine.”
While this year’s Red Nose Day will be different, it will still feature a live telethon on BBC One, with an appearance from the Vicar of Dibley. Host and co-founder Lenny Henry will be joined by Alesha Dixon, Davina McCall, David Tennant and Paddy McGuinness.
Instead of the usual gatherings, for 2021 Red Nose Day will be encouraging people to share their favourite joke in their windows. It is also the first year that the traditional Red Noses will be completely plastic-free, made from a by-product of sugarcane called Bagasse.
Sir Lenny, who co-founded Comic Relief 35 years ago, said: “We all need cheering up, so this year Red Nose Day will be a bit different.
“Of course we want to raise as much money as possible for people who really need it in the UK and around the world. But we also want to make you smile and bring you some laughter over the coming weeks.”
To find out more about activities and how you can contribute click here!
