Stand up for women!

LILY'S Comedy Extravaganza will see four Liverpool comediennes take centre stage at a special event which not only puts females in the spotlight, but also raises money for The Lily Centre, a breast cancer support group.

The event, which takes place at The Actors Studio on Sunday, 13 March 2011, has been organised by Kristal Clark, one of the city’s Community Cultural Champions. As well as spreading the word about different cultural events taking place across the city during the last twelve months, Kristal (the Cultural Champion for South Central) made it her mission to put on a unique event celebrating up and coming female comics in Liverpool.

With the support of Liverpool City Council, Kristal is now working with popular stand-up comedienne Pauline Daniels who will compere the evening. She will join Lindzi Germain, Katie Tracey, Helen Keeler and Katie Friel who will all be taking to the stage to perform their stand-up routine.

Kristal said:- “I’ve been to many comedy nights and noticed how under-represented women seem to be. Comedy seems to be on the rise in Liverpool with the presence of more and more big name acts and also more opportunities for amateurs to dip their toe in, and it would be a shame if Liverpool, which claims to have the best sense of humour, were to leave the girls behind. The aim of the show isn't to make any political statement about the role of women in comedy; it's just a platform for some of Liverpool's female acts and hopefully an opportunity to show a different audience what these girls can do as well as remind the public that women are funny too!”

Pauline Daniels said:- “As a patron of the Lily Centre I am pleased to host this laughter extravaganza, the support group is self funded as is the Actors Studio and it's all about helping all we can in this economic climate. All our funny women are thrilled to donate their talent. The Lily Centre needs your help to survive and it has done so much good work for so many over it's eleven years. It will be a great night of laughter all supplied by the fairer sex. Fellas, come if you dare!”

Tickets cost just £8 and can be reserved by calling:- 0151 709 9034.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- “The city’s five community cultural champions are wonderful ambassadors for the city and have been doing a great job of spreading the word about different events taking place across the city. It’s fantastic that Kristal is taking the role one step further and is putting on an event herself – giving local, funny women a platform and a chance to show off their talent. I’m proud the city council can support Kristal, and I’m sure the evening will be a huge success.”

The role of the city’s Community Champions is to raise awareness of events taking place in their community and blogging
about their activities. There are five Champions who represent Liverpool South, Liverpool East, Alt Valley, South Central and City and North.  For more information, visit their website.

DRESS TO IMPRESS AT FASHION FUNDRAISER

THE hottest new looks for spring and summer will be showcased at a charity fashion show in Southport’s Wayfarers Shopping Arcade.

The ‘Dress to Impress’ event, on Thursday, 31 March 2011, will raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Research, which funds research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer for the people of Merseyside and Cheshire.

The Lord Street arcade’s fashion retailers will reveal the key looks for the new season in a stunning catwalk show, featuring professional models who have previously appeared on TV with Gok Wan. Wayfarers Shopping Arcade’s 30-plus retailers will all be showcasing their wares and discount vouchers will be available on the night.

Guests will be treated to a canapés and drinks reception, live music and a goodie bag to take home.

Yvonne Burns, Wayfarers Shopping Arcade manager, said:- “People from the North West have a fantastic sense of style, and we have launched Dress to Impress to celebrate this unique touch of class. The last couple of years have seen Wayfarers Arcade evolve into a diverse and upmarket shopping centre, which now houses a wealth of new fashion, home, gift and accessory shops. We wanted to show that discerning shoppers can browse designer handbags and the latest Matthew Williamson collection under the same roof as vintage home wares and quality gifts – and of course help to raise money for a worthy cause. Most of the shops and boutiques in the arcade are independent businesses that are run by local people for local people. Anyone who hasn’t been in for a while should take another look as shoppers are often pleasantly surprised when they see what’s new at Wayfarers.“

Tickets cost:- £15 and doors open at 7pm. For further information or to purchase tickets please call:- 01704 539077 or by email:- enquiries@wayfarersarcade.co.uk.