Strictly Come Laughing

This was a night I was looking forward to and the great line up of comedians, made me even more eager to book. Come on with a name like Strictly Come Laughing, I knew I was in for a belly hurting evening. Upon arrival I was informed this event has been happening every year for the past 10 years for charity. They have successfully  raised over £100,000 for Ghana, Kwahu-Tafo. This straight away delighted me and I felt even more interested in seeing and supporting the nights activities. This was Humphrey Barclay’s (Chairman of Friends of Tafo) last event at Hackney Empire , hence being called The Final, as somebody else is now taking over the charity.

Straight away the night started off with a great sketch from Victor Romero Evans as a drunk man trying to battle the drink. This was very funny and only started off a night full of laughter. Some of the stand up comediaans really shone throughout the night, such as Kevin J, Richard Blackwood, Slim and Kat. Eddie Nestor and Robbie Gee were great hosts, keeping us warmed up and filling the gaps in between acts with natural funny banter.

All jokes aside there were many suprise guests who came to talk about the great work the money is doing in Kwahu-Tafo. These guests included Chizzy Akudolu (holby city), Hugh Quarshie (othello,RSC) and Rudolph Walker (eastenders). But the biggest and best surprise was when we saw the whole cast appear from Channel 4 sitcom Desmond’s. The charity event is staged in memory of Gyearbuor Asante who played ‘Matthew’ in the Channel 4 sitcom and is raising money for the development of his impoverished ancestral town Kwahu-Tafo.

Overall it was a great night for a great cause, my only criticism is we couldn’t get enough, it was all over too quickly!

For more information on Kwahu Tafo or to make a donation visit www.friendsoftafo.org

By Terri Martin