Hot Water Comedy Club raises huge amount for Zoe’s Place as thousands live stream sell-out gig

Hot Water Comedy Club has raised an incredible £81,000 for Zoe’s Place after thousands of fans live streamed its sold-out gig.

Tickets for the charity comedy night this Monday at Blackstock Market, featuring some of the biggest stars on the stand-up circuit, were snapped up as soon as they went on sale.

But organisers decided to lift the fundraising limits by live streaming the event so an online audience around the UK could also watch and donate to the baby hospice appeal.

Comedians including Adam Rowe, John Bishop and Jason Manford gave their time to join a packed line-up for the night.

Hot Water Comedy Club has confirmed that with ticket sales and online donations, the combined efforts of Hot Water Comedy Club, Blackstock Market, and all those comedians who came together means more than £81,000 has been raised to support Zoe’s Place.

Paul Blair, director of Hot Water Comedy Club, and his brother opened the new Blackstock Market in April this year, converting a former warehouse into a huge multi-use venue with four theatre spaces.

He says he wasn’t surprised by the response when they announced the charity night soon after Zoe’s Place revealed it was threatened with closure:

“We knew the reaction would be great because Zoe’s Place is such an important and beloved charity in Liverpool. It holds a special place in the hearts of the people here.

“We expected a quick sell-out, especially with some of the biggest names in comedy eager to support the cause, and the idea to live stream came right after because so many people were asking for ways to join in.”

The live comedy stream of Monday’s show reached over 50,000 views, with an extra boost from John Bishop who gave it a shout out to his 1 million followers on Instagram. 

He posted on the day of the gig encouraging fans to go on Hot Water’s website, adding:

“Zoe’s Place is a brilliant charity, it’s a fantastic cause. It’s a brilliant line-up, you can stream for free but what we’re asking for is don’t be a mingebag, give us a donation, a tenner or anything beyond that would be great. It’s an easy thing to do, you can sit on your couch and have a good night in a comedy club.”

Paul says the kindness and generosity of everyone, comedians and audiences in the venue and at home, has been incredible.

“We want to say a huge thank you to the fantastic comedians who gave their time for free, including John Bishop, Adam Rowe, Jason Manford, Paul Smith, Jamie Hutchinson, Tony Carroll, Iain Stirling, Gary Delaney, Rob Thomas, Russell Kane, and Dan Nightingale. 

“We’re thrilled to have made a real difference for this important charity and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who donated and spread the word. 

“We support many charities and Zoe’s Place is one we’ve backed before. Closing down wasn’t an option and it’s heartening to see the people of Liverpool rally together to ensure it stays open.”

Find more information about the Hot Water Comedy Club Charity Fundraiser here.

Find more events across Liverpool here.