Harper brings comedy to the countryside

Six of Britain’s top comedians travelled to rural Shropshire at the weekend for a one-of-a-kind comedy event at Harper Adams University College.

Comedy in the Country brought together acts including Jimmy Carr, Russell Kane, Rufus Hound, Jack Whitehall and Keith Farnan for four hours of stand-up entertainment. The acts performed 30-minute sets to a 2,000-strong audience inside a specially constructed big top-style tent.

Comedian Russell Kane said: “It was good because the students were mixed with the local residents and I do a lot of sociology stuff so I was able to play off the students against local people.”

The lineup also featured Four Poofs and a Piano – best known for their nine year stint on the BBC’s Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

Proceeds from the event are being donated to the NSPCC, Severn Hospice, Self Help Africa, Help for Heroes and Face charities. The final total is yet to be announced but organisers are hoping it will be in excess of £20,000.

Student Union President, Peter Dodd, organised the event alongside a team of student and staff volunteers.

He said: “Comedy in the Country has been an absolutely fantastic event. We’d like to thank the sponsors, the charities and of course everyone who bought a ticket for their support.

“The comedians have been supportive throughout and it was great seeing them come together to perform an amazing show for everyone.

“This event will really raise the profile of the Harper Adams Student Union, and Shropshire, as a place for great comedy and entertainment.”