Jo Brand will be heading to Swansea’s Grand Theatre for a night of entertainment in memory of the much-loved actor, writer and activist Helen Griffin in March 2020.
Jo will be joined by friends to pay homage to Jo’s friend Helen, who passed away in 2018. With Swansea being Helen’s hometown, there could be no better place to pay tribute than the majestic Swansea Grand.
The line-up will include fellow stand-up Andy Robinson, who has worked with Jo for over ten years, veteran Welsh comic Noel James, and more guests to be announced.
Having known each other since psychiatric nursing college, Helen and Jo became lifelong friends as both their careers moved into the sphere of entertainment. In 1997 they collaborated on the short play Mental (based on their nursing experiences), which went on to be performed at the 2003 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and in 2013 they worked together on the hospital-based BBC 4 sitcom Getting On – which was followed-up by Going Forward on the same channel in 2016.
Jo Brand was deeply saddened by Helen Griffin’s untimely death two years ago and moved to organise this evening in her memory. She would like to remember the huge talent and brilliant friend that Helen was, as well as her impact on the world of writing and performing – in the best possible way: with laughter and warmth. And where better to hold this event? Helen’s beloved hometown of Swansea, and in the city’s most esteemed venue.
Long established as one of the UK’s best comics, Jo brand is the star and writer of Getting On, the BBC’s BAFTA award-winning series set on a hospital’s geriatric ward, which was partly inspired by her earlier career in nursing. Other television credits include Great British Bake Off: Extra Slice (BBC), Taskmaster (Dave), Have I Got News for You (BBC One), and Would I Lie to You? (BBC One).
Jo has written several highly acclaimed best-selling books: Can’t Stand Up For Sitting Down, Look Back in Hunger, and The More You Ignore Me. 2018 saw her sitcom Damned air on Channel 4, and the release of the film version of The More You Ignore Me.
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An Evening with Jo Brand and Special Guests takes place at Swansea Grand Theatre on Tuesday, 31st March at 8pm. Ticket information via http://www.swansea.gov.uk/JoBrandBooking