Funny to a Degree

The University of Brighton is hosting a night of laughs to raise money for a Brighton-based charity which supports disabled people to live independently.

Top comedians and performers, some with personal experience of living with disabilities, are lined up for ‘Funny to a Degree’ at Brighton’s Komedia on 18 December.

The event has been organised to mark UK Disability History Month and money raised will go to Possability People which works with and helps disabled people and anyone with an impairment or long-term health condition.

Tickets are £9, £7 concessions including National Union of Students card holders, 60+, unemployed, disabled people and carers. Komedia is a fully accessible venue and the evening will be British Sign Language interpreted. You can buy tickets from the Komedia store.

Romina Puma

The line-up:

• MC Julie Jepson – Funny Women Comedy Awards finalist. ‘Truly fabulous’ (BBC).
• Romina Puma – As in her solo show ‘Not Disabled…Enough!’ comedian and campaigner Romina makes people laugh at things they didn’t know were funny.
• Don Biswas – Political comedian and “dyspraxic gag merchant”, Don’s solo show ‘Left-wing Conspiracy Theorist’ is hitting the Edinburgh Fringe next year.
• Aidan Goatley – Komedia regular Aidan has toured his debut show '10 Films with my Dad' across the world, from Europe to Dubai.
• Rosie Jones – Funny Women Finalist 2016, Rosie is known for 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown, Would I Lie to You? and The Last Leg.
• Laura Lexx – Amused Moose Comedy Award finalist, Laura’s solo show, Tyrannosaurus Lexx, was critically-acclaimed at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe. ‘Real comedic steel’ (The Guardian).

Tessa Marshall, the University of Brighton’s Equalities Engagement Officer, said: “As a Disability Confident Employer the University is really keen not just to work in our own institution, but to get out and engage with and raise awareness in our local community.

“Disability History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, and with the theme this year being Disability and Art we knew comedy would be a perfect vehicle to spread this positive message.

“We are thrilled at securing fantastic acts for ‘Funny to a Degree’ and that the event is being supported by so many local businesses. We encourage everyone to come down with their friends, families and colleagues to enjoy this brilliant night and to support the much needed local service, Possability People.”

UK Disability History Month is an annual event creating a platform to campaign for equality and human rights. The theme for this year’s Month is Disability and Art, and the evening is part of national celebrations of the achievements of disabled people in this field.

Comedian Romina Puma said: “For me working in the arts means I can express myself and being disabled I can raise awareness through my comedy."

Funny to a Degree is being supported by local businesses: Everyone who buys a ticket will be entered to win a door prize of £100 meal vouchers for Proud Country House in Stanmer Park.

Raffle prizes will include: mid-week stay for two in sea-facing themed room at Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton; two tickets for the opening night of War Horse at the Brighton Centre; afternoon tea for two at The Grand Brighton Hotel; spa treatment at the Brighton Harbour Hotel: Luxury Hotel & Spa; food hamper from Julia Robinson Catering; two tickets to the Royal Pavilion; dual-ride on The Brighton Zip; and a cut and blow-dry at Headmasters.

Aidan Goatley