Stand-up comedians are launching a massive fundraising effort across Wales after one of the country’s best-known and loved entertainers was diagnosed with cancer last month. Rhod Gilbert, who is 53, is the most popular Welsh stand-up comedian of recent times, selling thousands of tickets across the UK over a 20-year career.
Most recently he has been touring the country with his epic, The Book of John tour, which started in 2019. The tour, which still had dates to run before it was postponed, saw the Carmarthen-born comic perform several sold-out shows at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena. He let WalesOnline follow him backstage for one of those shows, giving people an insight into what happens during the build-up to a big arena show in front of thousands of fans - you can read about that here.
Gilbert was due to perform at the new Swansea Arena in the middle of July but the show was postponed on medical advice. A short time later, Gilbert confirmed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was to receive treatment at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, which he has been a patron of for years. During that time he has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for those suffering with cancer through various activities including trekking to Patagonia and to the top of Kilimanjaro, hosting various comedy nights in Wales and even virtual quizzes which were held online in lockdown.
Read more: Oakwood’s After Dark event to return for first time in three years
Having done so much for the cancer centre, many of his fellow comedians have now stepped forward to organise a coordinated programme of stand-up comedy events taking place in October right across south Wales, showcasing some of the best comedy talent in the country. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free by signing up here.
Ammanford-based comedian Gareth Morris said he was inspired to “pick up the baton” and ensure that the rest of Wales’ comedy community did its bit for Velindre as Rhod undergoes his treatment at the centre over the next few months. Originally the plan was to hold just one comedy night in Cardiff, but the outpouring of support soon meant that a much wider project should be undertaken.
“Mr Gilbert’s fundraising work over the years has been nothing less than inspiring,” said Mr Morris. “I looked to organise what would be a one-off comedy night to raise a couple of pounds for the Velindre Centre, but instead I was met with comedians wanting to support the cause. Within an hour, we had a team of fourteen people planning out a series of shows, all geared towards fundraising for the centre. It’s been incredible to be a part of it.”
Head of fundraising at Velindre, Anrdew Morris, said: “We think we know how well-loved Rhod is from his sell-out shows, but the thousands of messages, cards and gifts he’s receiving currently really does bring home just how much he is thought of. Rhod has done so much for Velindre that it’s great to see others now supporting him and the centre.
"The number of comedians that have got involved in the Wales Stands Up events to show support to Rhod and Velindre at this challenging time really is fantastic, and we know Rhod will be touched as these events encompass two things he’s extremely passionate about - comedy and raising funds for Velindre.”
So far, a dozen comedy fundraising nights have been arranged, all taking place between October 10 and October 16. A list of the confirmed shows can be seen below:
October 10
The Plough and Harrow, Swansea
Kings Arms Hotel, Abergavenny
October 13
Chapel 1877, Cardiff
Hardies, Merthyr Tydfil
Has Beanz, Ammanford
October 14
The Green Lady, Caerphilly
Willowtown Club, Ebbw Vale
October 15
CWRW, Carmarthen
Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd
October 16
The Pipeworks, Pontyclun
Le Pub, Newport
Date to be arranged
The Royal Oak, Broadway, Cardiff
There will also be a special closing night held on October 21 at Beefy’s Comedy Club in Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Meanwhile, anyone interested in hosting their own night or offering their services to perform can get in touch with organisers here.
One of the promoters involved in the fundraising project is Ellie Chopping of Shameless Promotion. She said: “You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in south Wales who does not have Velindre Cancer Centre to thank for the care of either themselves or someone close to them over the years, so it’s wonderful to be able to do something to help with their efforts and to show gratitude to them for all the wonderful work they do. Even better that in these tough times we can raise funds while offering fun nights full of much-needed laughs for punters across Wales.”
Gilbert himself, who hopes to complete the Book of John tour in 2023, has been amazed by the outpouring of support he has received since his diagnosis was made public. The comedian said: “I’ve been absolutely blown away by the many lovely messages of support, and I’m thrilled that we can come together to turn this into something so positive for such a remarkable cancer centre.”
Read next:
- The couple who walked away from their careers to buy a pub in the country
- Grease to be shown on huge outdoor screen at Welsh castle
- Man hit neighbour with metal bar and threatened another after row over noise
- Huge charity superstore opens in Swansea's Parc Tawe
- Bailiffs demand money at town's shops over controversial BID scheme
Keep up to date with what's on where you live
