Behind the scenes

Michelle de Swarte’s comedy fundraiser for Big Issue proves a side-splitting success

The new Big Issue ambassador assembled a starry line-up of stand-ups to perform at the fundraiser

“Sold out? On a Tuesday? When the sun is out?!”

Big Issue ambassador Michelle de Swarte breaks into a series of quick-fire bows to thank the audience of 300-plus paying punters for joining her in the dark underground vaults of the Top Secret Comedy Club on what’s a balmy July evening.

In truth, filling the room was the opposite of a hard sell – tickets sold out within hours of the night going on sale. It speaks to the immense popularity of the South London model turned stand-up, who’s made time in her busy schedule to put on a night of top comedy in Big Issue’s aid. 

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Michelle only joined Big Issue as an ambassador in April but has wasted no time in organising her fundraiser. She’s called on some of the biggest names in comedy to join her on the bill.

Comic titan Kerry Godliman (of Derek, After Life and Our Girl, to name just a few), Aussie Office star Felicity Ward, and Live at the Apollo regular Nabil Abdulrashid have all given up their evenings for free to perform, while the venue – one of London’s best comedy clubs, Top Secret – hasn’t charged a penny either.

All in all, the fundraiser has raised more than £4,000 for Big Issue’s work with people experiencing extreme poverty. And this is just the start, Michelle hints on stage, with ambition to do even bigger nights for Big Issue in the future. 

Vendors Andre and Kelvin join Michelle on stage.

The evening ends with two unbilled stars up on stage – Andre and Kelvin, local vendors who usually sell the Big Issue just a few streets away. Tonight they’ve taken off their red tabards to enjoy the gig from the front row. It’s a risky place to sit, although they’ve escaped a rinsing from the comics.

Michelle de Swarte welcomes them to the stage and leaves the audience with an instruction to buy the latest Big Issue from them as they leave.

They’re swamped with customers as the crowd piles out, grinning ear to ear after a great night for a great cause. 

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