Wring Out the Clowns: Rory Bremner in Hebden Bridge

The roof will be raised at the Victoria Theatre tonight when some of the biggest names in UK comedy perform.

The top television impressionist will be joined by Sarah Millican, Chris Ramsey, Justin Moorhouse and local lad Jack Carroll to raise funds for those affected by the Boxing Day floods.

It’s a cause close to Rory Bremner’s heart, who said: “To be hit by floods once is devastating. To be hit again- and worse- is heartbreaking. I love Hebden Bridge and when I was last there on a sunny afternoon last autumn, all seemed normal, the river flowing harmlessly and the floods of 2012 hard to imagine.

“My heart goes out to the people who’ve had their homes and businesses ruined. But there’s something I can do to help, which is put on a show, so I will. Come and enjoy the evening and support your community as it rebuilds.”

Wring Out the Clowns has been put together by Oldham-based comedy promoter Rob Riley who books and promotes long running monthly comedy nights in both Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge.

He said: “I was on holiday in Egypt when I received a text telling me about the flooding and I couldn’t believe the scenes of devastation I was seeing online.

“I really wanted to help but I was thousands of miles away and then I thought there would be no harm in sending a few emails out to who would be up for a benefit gig.

“I was absolutely gob smacked by the standard of acts who replied and now the whole thing has taken on a life of its own.”

Calderdale Council has hired out the theatre free of charge and all money raised will be split between Community Foundation For Calderdale and Upper Calder Valley Renaissance.