Cranford hosts comedy for a cause

Renowned comedian Urzila Carlson will perform at the MTG Century Theatre in Napier to deliver a night of laughs to raise money for Cranford Hospice. Photo Supplied

Cranford Hospice is staging a comedy show entitled Comedy for Cranford.

On Saturday, February 3 2018, renowned comedians Urzila Carlson, Jesse Griffin and Vaughan King will perform at the MTG Century Theatre in Napier to deliver a night of laughs and to raise money for Cranford Hospice.

"Comedy can be a great way to share time with family and friends" says Cranford Hospice chief executive Janice Byford-Jones. "We are very lucky to have these comedians take time from their schedules to come to Hawke's Bay and support Cranford Hospice".

South African-born Urzila Carlson is generously waiving her fee for this show. She is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian who appears regularly on television shows in Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand she has sold out every solo show since 2009.

Carlson is teaming up with Griffin who is well known for his character of American country music singer "Wilson Dixon". His understated delivery and clever observational humour has seen him become a regular performer on the NZ stand up circuit.

Bringing the show together is MC Vaughan King. Seen all around New Zealand on The Real NZ Tour, King is on the road a lot and has a great connection with what is good humour. King is a multiple award winner and has won Best MC at the annual NZ Comedy Guild Awards.

"We are simply stoked with the generosity of the comedians to do this show for us, and we can't thank our sponsors enough" says the hospice marketing and fundraising manager, Nathalie van Dort.

"This means that all the proceeds from the ticket sales [excluding service fees] will go directly to support the delivery of the specialist palliative care services."

Cranford Hospice needs to fundraise $7700 per day to ensure the services of Cranford Hospice continue to be provided at no cost to patients or their families.

"This is a rare opportunity to enjoy three fantastic comedians on one stage. It is promised to be a night filled with good laughs and good company, all for a great cause".

The three comedians will take to the stage from 8pm. Tickets are limited and can be purchased through Ticketek www.ticketek.co.nz. Prices start at $43.25, a service fee will apply.