Comedy Army assembles in Edinburgh!
14 August 2025
We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with The Comedy Army for a series of events, with a big Gala Day on Monday 18th August. Please find further information below.
Tickets for Comedy Gala and Film Screening – ‘Filth’
PRESS RELEASE BY COMEDY ARMY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Laughter, goals, and purpose: Comedy Army unites with Simon Community (Scotland) for a powerful day of impact at this year’s Edinburgh Festival.
A new cultural movement is taking centre stage at the world’s biggest arts festival—not just to entertain, but to spark change.
On Monday 18 August, comedy and football collide as Comedy Army and Simon Community Scotland, with support from Street Soccer and the Ripple, deliver a unique day of Comedy-on-Prescription—blending stand-up, live sport, music, workshops, and film. This one-day preview highlights the power of laughter, connection, and creativity in tackling one of the UK’s most urgent social crises: homelessness.
The movement kicks off in classic Scottish style—banter, boots, and a ball—before going nationwide on 8 October with Comedians Vs. Homelessness: a one-day comedy takeover in clubs, theatres, and venues across the nation during World Homeless Week, raising vital funds and awareness for homelessness prevention.
The homelessness crisis we can’t ignore;
- Households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness in 2023/24, was up 4% to 53,550 people, including 15,500 children
- Rough sleeping in the UK is up 20% in the last year alone
- Over 400,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness, including 160,000 children
- One in every 165 people in the UK has no stable home
- Most homelessness is invisible: families in B&Bs, sofa-surfers, young people without safe housing
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Time, event and venue |
Details |
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Monday 18th August 12pm – invite only Meadowbank Stadium Comedians United Vs. Simon Community Scotland Football Match (Facilitated by Street Soccer) |
● Captain: Des Clarke. ● Comedian Players: Ray Bradshaw,Ryan Cullen, Larry Dean,Liam Farrelly, Chris Forbes,Kai Humphries, Mark Nelson, Tom Stade, Gavin Webster → AND surprise VIP guest players and guests ● Players: People Supported by Street Soccer ● Goalkeepers: Emmanuel Sonubi, Gareth Mutch. ● Live commentary: Bruce Devlin, Susie McCabe ● Mascots: Robin Grainger & Waffle (the dog) ● Speakers: Jojo Sutherland |
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2pm – invite only Moved by Laughter Workshop Hibs Community Hub |
A creative empowerment session led by DJ Sage and Jojo Sutherland, using humour and music to process trauma, build trust and help people reconnect to their inner strength. |
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4pm-7pm – Stand Up Comedy Gig and ‘Filth’ Film screening Norton Park Conference Centre |
● Show: Jay Lafferty, Jojo Sutherland, + VIP guests ● Interval, followed-by film screening: Filth by Irvine Welsh ● Free prize draw entry to win a pair of Fiorentini + Baker boots ● Public tickets available: bit.ly/filthcomedy |
VOICES OF THE MOVEMENT
Jojo Sutherland, Co-Founder, Comedy Army – who in her spare time had four children, two divorces, and one brain haemorrhage.
“Every comedian I know is well aware of the therapeutic power of comedy — that’s why we are comedians. My own personal stories of grief, trauma and chaos have been regaled to audiences worldwide over the last 25 years. But it’s the industry we try to survive in that created the reason for this event. Comedians Vs. Homelessness isn’t a charity gig with line-ups thrown together to grab headlines: it’s comedians from across the spectrum coming home to the circuit for one cause: to stand up for some of the most vulnerable in society, to help them stand up for themselves. Comedians Vs. Homelessness will help provide a home for those who struggle to be heard.”
Tommy Sheppard, Founder, Stand Comedy Club
“Humour is how human beings deal with adversity and tragedy. It allows us to survive. It is essential to our basic humanity. That’s why the best comedy is about real life experience, warts and all. And that’s why comedy clubs and comedians engage with the world, working to make it better. We support this important campaign to shine a light on the greatest social scourge of our time, the lack of shelter. “
Ricky Kerr, Service Lead, Simon Community (Scotland)
“Community and relationships are at the heart of what we do. We’re delighted to work with Comedy Army to bring hope, opportunity, and positive change to those affected by homelessness. Through comedy, sport, and creativity, we aim to shine a light on the people most impacted by inequality. We believe it is vital that the people we support are
included in the Fringe as valued members of our community. This gala day is about inclusion, connection, and celebrating the voices of some of the most marginalised people in Edinburgh during the world’s largest arts festival.”
Robbie Wood, Regional Manager, Street Soccer Scotland
“Our mission is to create hope and opportunity for all. We support thousands of players each year on their journey to positive change, and are proud to work with Comedy Army and community partners who share our values.”
ENDS
Further information
Comedy Army is a cultural initiative uniting comedians, creatives, and communities to tackle
homelessness and social exclusion—using humour as a bridge to healing, visibility, and change. This August event is a preview of Comedians Vs. Homelessness, a national, multi-venue gig night taking place on 8 October 2025. For one night only, the UK’s top comedy talent will take the stage in clubs, theatres, and spaces across the country—raising vital funds and awareness for homelessness prevention and crisis support.
About Simon Community
Simon Community Scotland’s vision is to work
towards a Scotland where everyone has a safe place to live. SCS provides information, care, advice, support and accommodation to people affected by homelessness. They offer an inclusive, and person centred service, meeting people where they are without judgement and within a framework of social justice and human rights. The aim is not only to address the immediate needs of people, but to look at their long term needs, while promoting self-sufficiency and community integration.
About Street Soccer Scotland
Street Soccer uses football to inspire change, create safe spaces, and build meaningful
relationships—empowering people across Scotland to change their lives.