An alcohol-free comedy event brought people together during Addiction Awareness Week (19-25 September), helping kick-start our new campaign theme, The Big Addiction Conversation.
On Sunday 20 September, Sober Comedy London brought an afternoon of laughter, connection and alcohol-free entertainment to the popular Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green.
Hosted by Sober IS Fun, an alcohol-free professional comedy club, the event showcased a fantastic line-up of touring comedians including Geoff Norcott, Josh Baulf, Dana Alexander and Pat Smith.
Comedy events might not seem like an obvious place to start conversations about addiction, but for promoter Martyn Davies, who is now more than 8.5 years into recovery, the connection is clear.
"It was absolutely brilliant to hear loud, raucous laughter with no alcohol in sight. It's important that people can see the fun side of sobriety, a life without alcohol or drugs can be fulfilling, and in my opinion, a lot better.
“It was a really special show. Being able to raise funds and awareness for Taking Action on Addiction means a great deal to me. I've supported the campaign for several years and know first-hand how important a conversation can be. For many people, it's the first step towards recovery. It certainly was for me.
“A huge thank you to everyone who attended."
At the heart of this year's campaign is The Big Addiction Conversation, a year-long movement aiming to help start 17,000 conversations about addiction across the UK.
Events like Sober Comedy London demonstrate that conversations about addiction don't always begin in formal settings. Sometimes they start through shared experiences, community and connection.
The Next Show at The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club hosted at Backyard Comedy Club Bethnal Green is on Sunday 15th November at 3.30pm
Book now with Super Early Bird Tickets just £15 - Click here
As The Big Addiction Conversation continues over the coming year, events like this remind us that laughter can bring people together, but conversation is what helps create understanding, challenge stigma and support recovery.
Want to be part of The Big Addiction Conversation?
· Try our Digital Conversation Cards
· Download the campaign toolkit
· Request a physical pack of conversation cards
· Learn more about addiction and recovery support
Watch Martyn’s recovery story, and many others, as featured in our 2023 campaign video:
Find out about our new campaign activities including how you can get involved in community events, social media and lending your voice to effect change.
Help change how Britain talks about addiction. Sign up to get involved, start conversations and support the campaign.