Streaming show is 'a Nicorette patch for live theatre'

Robin Ince and Josie Long are to host a live virtual gig on Christmas Day.

They say they hope the stream ‘might be nice way of connecting with people who may be alone or looking after loved ones’.

It follows the success of last weekend’s Nine Lessons And Carols For Socially Distance People which Ince hosted for more than 24 hours.

He said: ‘One of the lovelier things that we’ve seen during lockdown is how audiences have connected from a distance. 

‘Throughout our 25-hour show, the comments’ section was busy with people who had never met but had found the common ground of enjoying nights mixing The Cure and quantum cosmology. 

‘It has been a strange year, having gone from touring around the world and gigging almost every night to losing all of that live audience connection and who knows when that will return, so doing these live internet shows and still having some form of connection has been a useful live theatre Nicorette patch.’

Guest lined up to appear include Adam Kay, author of This is Going to Hurt,  writer and performer Andy Nyman, Showstopper star Pippa Evans, folk musicians Grace Petrie and Jim Moray,  and scientists Dr Helen Czerski and Dr Suzi Gage

The show will air on the Comic Shambles website from 10am.

It is set to be followed by another from Long’s partner, Jonny Donahoe, and Paddy Gervers, also known as  Jonny & The Bandits.

The pair tweeted: ‘If we put on a CHRISTMAS DAY LIVESTREAM with songs & cheer & merriment & special guests would that help?

‘We're thinking of doing it at 11.15am for an hour. Would you watch along? Is this a good idea? We're super happy to do this on Xmas day - it's not work! It's a pleasure’ 

‘If you're into it, we'll do it. We love you. Merry Christmas x’

Published: 20 Dec 2020