Lost Voice Guy and Friends: Charity Fundraiser for US Active

Join us as we host some of the funniest and most innovative stand-up comedians in the country to raise money for cracking local charity uS Active which works to empower and support young people experiencing mental health difficulties.

LOST VOICE GUY

Lee Ridley - aka Lost Voice Guy - is a completely unique performer on the UK circuit as he is the only stand-up to perform using a communication aid.  Born with cerebral palsy, Lee has been unable to communicate using his vocal chords and so instead turn to an aid.  More importantly, Lee has been born funny, playing with an audience's discomfort expertly to upturn expectations and poke fun at society's perceptions of disability, as well as taking the piss out of himself as well. He has a remarkably mischievous comedy mind, leading to him being crowned BBC New Act of the Year and Britain's Got Talent champion, appearing on Live at the Apollo and having his own sitcom commissioned by Radio 4 (Ability) as well as supporting Patrick Kielty and Ross Noble on tour.

"Funny, personal, occasionally shocking and laugh out loud funny." Independent

"A wonderful comedian." Matt Lucas

"A very funny guy." Ross Noble

CARL HUTCHINSON

Geordie comic Carl Hutchinson is a powerhouse comedian on the circuit. Undeniably hilarious, with brilliant characterisations and expert timing, 2019 saw Carl complete a 50-date run of shows, including an impressive hometown show at the Tyne Theatre, which sold out 3 months in advance. In 2020 he made his debut hosting BBC1’s flagship show The One Show and has been seen on ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show.

His relentless live work has led him to be named ‘One to watch’ by Chortle and ‘One of the hardest working comedians of 2018.’ He has made appearances on BBC Radio 4’s Fred at the Stand and BBC Radio Scotland’s The Good The Bad and The Unexpected.

Alongside his live work, Carl has won over TV audiences on Stand Up Central and The Chris Ramsey Show on Comedy Central. He also supported Chris Ramsey on three major national tours The Most Dangerous Man on Saturday Morning Television, The Just Happy to Get Out of The House Tour and most recently, Chris Ramsey Live 20/20.

He’s an absolute charmer. The perfect example of an effortless comedian who is just like your best mate in the pub leaving you in stitches.

RACHEL JACKSON

Rachel is an Edinburgh native with a quick mind and a sharp tongue. She has made somewhat of a name for herself in Scotland and is renowned for her fearless style and candid yet loveable demeanour.

She has developed several sketches for the BBC culminating in a web series entitled Bunny Boiler for BBC Three which she also wrote and was received with critical acclaim. She performed her debut hour at The Edinburgh Fringe last year and wowed audiences and critics alike. Earning rave reviews and many new fans.

"Jackson is a genius behind the microphone, deserving of every success she encounters." Edinburgh Festival Magazine

"Unstoppable tour de force." The Daily Record

CATHERINE YOUNG

Winner of Hilarity Bites New Act Award 2019 Catherine regularly absconds from Middlesbrough and the general misery of life by running round the UK comedy circuit  looking for anyone who will listen to her. 

From Middlesbrough in the North East. Club Singer on the working men's clubs since age 19. Also working in mental health, as a Counsellor and with over 15 years experience working in the field. That may seem like a far cry from the creative field of entertaining, but it all just comes down to connecting with people, and that’s at the heart of who she really is. 

"An instantly likeable act, Catherine is a warm yet electric act who can fearlessly play any room, from a theatre to a working men's club and be totally un-phased. She's a dream to comedy bookers and a joy to audiences." Felt Nowt Comedy. 

AND YOUR HOST:

BEN VAN DER VELDE

One of the quickest wits around and a much-loved compere, he always brings a jam-packed back of nonsense, silliness and wisecracks to every gig he hosts.

"Wonderfully improvised riffs showcasing his impressive spontaneity and sharp tongue." Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

“The perfect comedy club host – he is a master of audience interaction. The audience weren’t just warmed up, but pretty hysterical even before the first act of the night hit the stage.”  Huffington Post