Volodymyr Zelenskyy 'is having the toughest gig imaginable'

Profits from Brighton’s newest comedy club are to be donated to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Comic Stephen Grant, who runs  Forge Comedy Club at Ironworks Studios, says the money from this Saturday's show will be donated to the International Rescue Committee.

He said: ‘I, like most people, have been glued to the news reports emerging from Ukraine. I’ve felt a mixture of horror and frustration at how powerless we all are to do anything.

‘The IRC is doing fantastic and vital work mobilising resources to help support civilians fleeing their homes and lives. I decided that I want to donate all profits from this week’s show to them so we can feel that we are doing something, no matter how small, to help.’

He added that he was partially inspired by the fact Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy started his career as a comic.

Grant, pictured, said: ‘Considering the president of Ukraine’s past, we all want to show solidarity with a fellow comedian having the toughest gig imaginable.’

The Forge Comedy Club was founded this year after Grant parted ways with Krater Comedy Club at Komedia, the club that he set up and ran for 23 years

Saturday's club features sets from Emanuel Sonubi, Josh Jones, Kate Barron and MC Archie Maddocks.

» Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s comedy past

Published: 28 Feb 2022