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Edinburgh Reporter

The Comedy Army – Comedy on Prescription begins on Monday in Edinburgh

The Comedy Army are trying to spark change. On Monday, the worlds of comedy and football collaborate 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 with banter, boots, and a ball in a match at Meadowbank Sports Centre which starts at noon under captain Des Clarke. Live commentary will be provided by Bruce Devlin and Susie McCabe. The moment will then go 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 UK-wide, over 400,000 people are experiencing homelessness, including 160,000 children rough sleeping in the UK is up 20% in the last year alone In Scotland, 33,619 households were assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness in 2023/24—up 4% on last year. Within these households were 38,075 adults and 15,474 children. One in every 165 people in the UK has no stable home Beyond rough sleeping, most homelessness is hidden—families in B&Bs, people sofa-surfing, and young people without safe housing The Day's Line-Up | Monday 18 August 2025 – Edinburgh Public tickets available: JoJo Sutherland Jojo Sutherland, Co-Founder, Comedy Army – who in her spare time had four children, two divorces, and one brain haemorrhage said: '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 v Homelessness will help provide a home for those who struggle to be heard.' Tommy Sheppard, Founder, Stand Comedy Club, said: '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) said: '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 said: '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.' Like this: Like Related