British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili has led the support for Komedia Brighton with the announcement of two dates in early April. This news comes as a five-year business plan for Komedia Brighton has been signed off by the venues bank and creditors, securing Komedia Brighton’s financial position. The award-winning venue had built up a burden of debt since an Arts Council supported expansion in 2006.

Komedia Brighton, which operates a mixed programme of comedy, music and cabaret, has won Best Cultural destination in the City the Chortle Award for Best Comedy Venue in the South for an unrivalled seven years, and has been instrumental in supporting the early careers of artists such as The Mighty Boosh, The League of Gentlemen and Jenny Éclair.

Since the venue’s affairs were reported recently, the level of support for the Brighton venue has been impressive with audience numbers swelling, together with performers and the business community coming out in support. Most notably award-winning actor/comedian Omid Djalili is to host two nights of his comedy show in support of Komedia on the 6th and 7th April.

After announcing the dates Djalili stated “Komedia were the very first theatre to book my one man shows back in 1994 even with titles of shows as dodgy as ‘Ron Mussolini Strikes Back’. They have been a bastion for the arts and have encouraged, cajoled and empowered a lot of acts regardless of management and status. I am delighted to be doing two benefit nights”.

A Komedia spokesman said, “The support we have received from all areas has been immense and we are very thankful for this. With our plan now agreed and in place we can again focus on providing the city with the comedy, music and club nights that we know it still has a healthy appetite for”.

One Response to “Omid Lends Support”

1. Julia Carrette Says:
   April 9th, 2009 at 9:41 PM

   Komedia has been a bit of a beacon to me and has saved me from feeling that I have landed in a political and cultural wasteland in terms of comedy. After moving down from London years ago (yes I knoiw its not the centr of the universe but choice is, well,…there) I have had to come and get my fix every so often at ypout place. The excitment grows as you come down those stairs, the vibe is as it should be. Sharp stuff from Krater, Felix Dexter reminding us about locations, LoG , Alan Carr have all done it for me. Well now I need you too.I work for a struggling charity in a town 13 miles west that doesnt have a Komedia. Hope you can lend us support as we try to run a stand up night to raise money. Need your advice! Could you help us audition stand ups? I have been told perhaps Steve Grant might have some tips? Whatever, even if that doesnt come off I am so chuffed Komedia is being recognised as the important facility that it is. Keep it up.
   Julia

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