Calais Appeal Comedy Fundraiser
Calais Appeal is raising funds with a stand-up comedy night! Join us for a night of solidarity, community and unforgettable comedy hosted by award-winning comedian Jen Nolan. Featuring a lineup of world class performers, the evening will bring together sharp humour and incisive political wit, all delivered with heart, humanity and a deep commitment to justice and collective care.
Calais Appeal is a consortium of 6 grassroot organisations working in solidarity with refugees and people on the move stuck at the France-UK border, where they experience daily human rights violations and a lack of access to basic essentials. Calais Appeal’s member organisations support with food, water, firewood, tents, sleeping bags, access to information, specialist services for women and families, access to play for children, and much more. They also engage in a wide range of high impact advocacy projects, including facilitating parliamentary visits, report writing, media work and legal cases.
More information on their work can be found on their social media @calaisappeal.
LINEUP
Jen Nolan is an up and coming working class comic out of East London. She will be bringing tales from her life growing up on the breadline with that cheeky cockney attitude. Jen was hand-picked to perform in the highly acclaimed Comedy Reserve Show for Pleasance Theatres, and performed every night at the Edinburgh Festival in 2025.
Sami Abu Wardeh is a multi-award winning comedian, actor and writer. He created, produced and starred in Channel 4 series The Sheikh and his latest live comedy hour Palestine: Peace de Resistance won a Bestie and Spirit of the Fringe award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before going on to sell out two London runs. Described as “defiantly goofy” by the Guardian, he has done short plays as well as several voice work for Radio 4.
Don Biswas is one of the gems of the circuit. A politically charged gag merchant who likes to cover a wide range of subjects including his Asian upbringing, his neurodiversity as someone with dyspraxia, ADHD, and ASD and even the most important of to. Don is now a regular face in comedy clubs across the UK. His unique style has seen him support John Williams on tour, performing in the USA & Switzerland.
Imran Yusuf is a skilful raconteur and lovable, lighthearted comedian known for his sharp political satire with deep empathy. Born in Mombasa, Kenya, of East-African Indian origin, Imran’s journey has taken him performing around the world, and is a regular in London’s West End. Imran combines his craft with his passion for social causes, notably documenting medical work in the West Bank for Medical Aid for Palestinians. He has written and performed five solo shows, consistently challenging comedic narratives.
…and more artists to be announced soon!
If you are a person seeking asylum in the UK and would like to attend the event free of charge, please email funding@calaisappeal.org