A comedy and music spectacular spearheaded by Griff Rhys Jones is expanding with small spin-off shows in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
This year’s Happy Christmas Ipswich extravaganza, hosted by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) with help from its dedicated celebrity patron, is taking place at The Ipswich Regent, on Monday, 9th December.
Tickets go on general sale today and the first names on what is always a star-studded bill are set to be confirmed in mid-September.
In addition, plans have now been revealed to stage two additional shows on the same night at comedy clubs in Norwich and Cambridge.
Griff said: “We’re proud and excited to be raising the stakes as Happy Christmas Ipswich morphs into Happy Christmas East Anglia.
“It’s going to be a whopper and not least because it’s five years since our very first show. We want to make this one the best yet – something for the whole region to look forward to and definitely not to be missed.
“To join forces for a night of laughs, while raising lots of money, is a truly extraordinary thing and a very special Christmas present for the children and families receiving care from EACH.
“This amazing charity is such a hugely vital resource and one that proudly serves the whole East Anglian region. By coming along and showing your support, you can help put more money in the pot. I look forward to seeing you there!”
Last year’s Happy Christmas Ipswich 4 show was hailed a ‘magical and unforgettable triumph’ after raising £134,500.
It featured a host of household names, including Dara Ó Briain, Dame Joanna Lumley, Rob Brydon and world-renowned keyboard player Rick Wakeman.
EACH’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Kevin Clements, said: “I wasn’t sure how we could top Happy Christmas Ipswich 4.
“I thought we’d possibly hit a ceiling, in terms of the calibre of talent on stage and the staggering amount of money raised.
“However, Griff, in typical style, has proved me wrong and his drive and passion to take our show to the next level never ceases to amaze me.
“To be in a position to confirm these extra spin-off shows is a real landmark and something we’re incredibly excited about – with hopefully more offers from venues for 2025!
“More details will follow soon, including the line-up for our main show in Ipswich.
“However, in terms of tickets, my advice would be get in quick.
“If previous experience is anything to go by, they start selling immediately – even before we start revealing acts.”
To buy tickets for Griff’s Ipswich show, head here.
The Norwich show will be at Hooma Comedy, in Dereham Road, and is set to feature popular comedian, actor and presenter Joe Pasquale, along with Martin Westgate, Tim Fitzhigham and John Mann. For tickets, click here.
Details of the Cambridge show will be confirmed soon, via EACH’s website and social media channels.
Griff’s first Happy Christmas Ipswich event was in 2019 and featured the likes of Al Murray and Lee Mack. It raised £72,000.
After a hiatus due to Covid, the show returned in 2021 and starred Eddie Izzard, Johnny Vegas, Stephen Fry, Clive Anderson and Ruthie Henshall. Tickets sold out within 48 hours of the line-up being confirmed and it raised a staggering £92,000.
The 2022 show, which raised £106,000, proved another colossal success. Another sell-out, the impressive cast list included Bill Bailey, Jon Culshaw, Rory McGrath and Milton Jones.
