Stroud to raise laughs and funds (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud to raise laughs and funds

AN EVENING of madcap alternative adult cabaret in aid of the Tsunami Appeal will take place at Stroud's Subscription Rooms next weekend.

Artists from near and far have agreed to appear for free and Stroud District Council has waived the venue rental fee of more than £700 for the event on Saturday, February 19.

Organiser and former performer Rosa Verge said: "We've got some fantastic, very, very alternative cabaret performers from as far away as London, Cardiff and Bristol."

The line up includes B*stard Son of Tommy Cooper, Les Bubb, Emile Epstein, Woody Wildings Record Graveyard, Bruce Airhead, Binge & Snackit, Domestic Goddesses, Bernie Bennett, Mark Abbott, Anthony Hodge and The Mad Cows from 11pm.

"I know loads of people and thought why don't I just ring them up and every single on said yes," said Ms Verge, who is appealing for drinks and food for the entertainers.

This is the second Tsunami Appeal fundraising event for which the district council has given free use of the venue and it is to be the last.

Leader Cllr Chas Fellows (Con, Chalford) said: "I feel that offering the venue to raise money for the Tsunami Appeal has been the best way and indeed the most appropriate way that the district council could contribute to the appeal.

"But I must be quite assertive. It is widely known that more money has been pledged to this relief operation than can possibly be used over the next several years.

"The council believes that it has now contributed appropriately to this particular appeal and would be able to consider any further requests for a free venue at the Sub Rooms." Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Tickets are £12, or £10 with concession, and available from the box office on 01453 760900.