Major benefit to 'laugh in the face of hate'

Comedians are rallying to the aid of victims the New Zealand terrorist attack with a benefit gig in London.

Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Guz Khan, Mo Gilligan, Omid Djalili and Al Murray are among the acts taking part in the show, titled Laugh In The Face Of Hate.

The gig at the Hackney Empire are will be hosted by Jarred Christmas, who is from Christchurch, and British Muslim comic Tez Ilyas.

Ilyas said: ‘During these dark times it is even more important that people come together and show those that would divide us that we will not be conquered by hate. 

‘Humour is a universal language and a comedy show with such a diverse bill, raising money for this particular cause, is a perfect ‘screw you’ to all the bigots and fascists out there.’ 

Christmas added: ‘I am heartbroken by what has happened in Christchurch, my hometown. The only thing I’m good at is comedy and calling friends, so I called my incredible comedy friends and they answered. 

‘Their response has humbled me. So this is what we can do. An amazing night of comedy to let the world know that we are all better than this.’

Also on the April 29 bill Shazia Mirza, Al Pitcher, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Nabil Abdulrashid, Matt Stellingwerf and Javier Jarquin.

Tickets, priced £25, will go on sale from the venue on Monday.

All proceeds to Victim Support NZ, supporting the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks. 

Fifty people were killed in the attack with 29 still in hospital. A 28-year-old who describes himself as a white supremacist has been charged with murder.

Published: 21 Mar 2019