Comics wanted for tours of duty

An appeal has been launched for comics to entertain British forces based overseas.

Performing to the troops has long been associated with comics from Bob Hope to Jim Davidson.

But now entertainment organisers are appealing to a new generation of stand-ups to provide some comic relief to squaddies based in places such as Kosovo, Bosnia and the Falklands.

Angie Moore, entertainment manager with Combined Services Entertainment said: "We'd like to widen the range of acts with some big name circuit comedians. We want to get a good cross-section from the 'alternative' circuit as well as a few gems from the mainstream too."

"The audiences are great - the troops are genuinely delighted when well known performers are prepared to take the time to come and perform for them.

"They can be tough crowds, but it's no worse than Up The Creek or a late night at The Store. It's also a great opportunity to see another world, to go to places you'd never get to see in everyday life.

"The comic and magician Carey Marx has just done a tour for us in Northern Ireland and he had a great time. I'd love to encourage more artists to do the same"

Some of Britain's best-known comics cut their teeth with ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) as CSE used to be called.

Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howerd, Tommy Handley and Joyce Grenfell all performed for the organisation. But Tony Hancock failed the audition.

Experienced comics interested in performing for the forces should e-mail Angie at Angie.Moore@ssvc.com

Published: 2 Jan 2002