Comedy / Bristol Mind
Bristol Mind presents Blue Monday comedy fundraiser
The third Monday in January has become known as ‘Blue Monday’.
The term was first coined in the early 2000s by a travel company trying to capitalise on the low mood of a nation in the depths of winter, with the festive season firmly behind them for another year.
So far, so cynical. But it does point to a wider truth. Marooned in the darkness of winter and surrounded by the tatters of our New Year’s resolutions, it can be a particularly tricky time for many.
is needed now More than ever
Olga Koch – photo: Matt Stronge
In an attempt to head off the January blues at the pass, Bristol Mind is putting on a night of comedy at Hamilton House, “focusing on the power of laughter as a tool to improve mental health.
“Laughter has been scientifically proven to trigger the release of endorphins (your happy hormone), reduce stress-making hormones and to ease anxiety and tension,” they say.
The night will be a fundraiser for the vital mental health and wellbeing services provided to Bristol communities, including counselling, listening and emotional support, as well as information, advocacy, specialist LGBTQ+ support and refugee services.
Firuz Ozari – photo: courtesy of Bristol Mind
With more acts to be announced, the host is confirmed to be comedian and creator of The Comedian’s Comedian podcast, Stuart Goldsmith, and the lineup features National Comedy Award-nominated Olga Koch, who is fresh off the back off a UK and Ireland tour of her smash-hit Edinburgh Fringe show Just Friends.
Joining them are Garrett Millerick, and three up-and-coming Bristol acts: Firuz Ozari, who won the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, Sam Williams, who also appeared in that final, and Pravanya Pillay, who featured in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition, from which many future comic stars are born.
Mental health is a cause that Goldsmith has long championed. “Everyone’s mental health is vulnerable, now more than ever,” he reflects.
“I’m really pleased and proud to be working with Bristol Mind to deliver a cracking night of comedy on what could otherwise be a very blue Monday!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmtYuJPt5F7/
Bristol Mind’s Blue Monday Comedy Night is at Hamilton House on January 16, at 7pm. Tickets are available from www.eventbrite.com. Lineup subject to change.
For more information about Bristol Mind, go to www.bristolmind.org.uk.
Main photo: Matt Crockett
Read more: Spreading the word about Bristol Mind
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
