Press Release – 10 Sept 2016
Immediate use
Stars raise alaugh for integrated education
Fivefunny friends of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) entertained a crowd at the Ulster Hall on Saturday (September 10)with a one-off comedy special raising laughs and raising cash for the charity.
“Stand Up for Integrated Education” brought top names together on stage as mentalist David Meade was joined by comedians Tim McGarry, Neil Dougan, Colin Murphy and Wendy Wason.
All performers gave their time in support of the IEF, the charity which works to grow integrated education in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the great line-up for the show, IEF Campaign Chair Baroness May Blood said
“Separating children into different schools from the age of four is not a laughing matter, but it’s done us all good to giggle this evening, and it’s all raised valuable funds to help our work at the IEF. The charity exists to grow integrated education in response to parental demand and we couldn’t do it without our generous supporters.
“Thank you everyone involved and especially to Tim McGarry who pulled the show together and brought in such great acts: David, Wendy, Neil and Colin. We are really grateful for their support and for a great night of entertainment. I know they are all busy so we really do appreciate them adding the Ulster Hall to their schedules and putting on such a hilarious show.”
Tim McGarry commented
“So many people want integrated education and there just aren’t enough places – instead we divide children at four years old and dictate who their friends will be. The IEF helps integrated schools meet demand from parents and I’m proud to help the IEF.”
David Meade added
“It’s a fabulous charity; integrated education is important to us all and it’s important to laugh at ourselves, including those things we need to work on for the sake of [continues]
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everyone in Northern Ireland. It’s great being in a show surrounded by friends, especially when you’re all bringing the best of your work together in an event like this.”
Supporters of the IEF met performers before the show at a VIP reception kindly sponsored by Mervyn McCall, with wine donated by Terry Cross and Chateau de la Ligne. The show was also sponsored by the family of late Belfast comedian Frank Carson.
In the picture: Baroness May Blood (seated) with (l-r) David Meade, Tim McGarry, Neil Dougan, Colin Murphy and Wendy Wason at the Ulster Hall ready for the “Stand Up for Integrated Education” comedy show
The performers: Tim McGarry is the actor, writer, stand-up comedian and broadcaster best known for playing the part of Da in 73 episodes of the hugely popular sitcom Give My Head Peace. He now presents The Blame Game on BBC NI where his guests often include Colin Murphy.
Colin is also known as host of Great Unanswered Questions. His stage work includes many years of success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Colin has played sell-out shows throughout Ireland and at the Melbourne Festival as well as appearing in serious drama productions
Wendy was already an established actress (TV shows include Coupling and The IT Crowd) when she launched her comedy career in 2004. She has since wowed audiences in the UK, Ireland and the USA and been a finalist in several stand-up awards.
Neil Dougan is one of the best-established stars of the Irish comedy circuit. Apart from his hugely popular solo show, Neil has toured with the likes of Patrick Kielty and Tommy Tiernan. Writing credits include It’s not Brazil it’s Northern Ireland and The McKeever Show.
David Meade is the man with the mind-boggling power to tell you what you’re thinking and, with many successful BBC TV projects to his name, is one of the most recognisable faces in the country. His witty delivery has made him a favourite corporate trainer and lecturer.
The IEFis the charity (registered as NIC104886) which provides financial support for the development and growth of integrated education in response to parental demand. Our aim is to make integration, not separation, the norm in the Northern Ireland education system.We support the establishment of more integrated school places, the transformation of existing non-integrated schools to integrated statusand meaningful cross-community school initiatives.
Contact:Maddy Bridgman, press officer: 028 9069 4099 /078 4192