In praise of an English radical - A Celebration of LINDA SMITH

Known for her outstanding work on radio and TV, Linda Smith, who died in February, built a huge following of people who identified with her cutting yet endearing comedy style. Voted “wittiest person in Britain” in 2002 she was a regular contributor to ‘The News Quiz’, ‘Just a Minute’ and ‘Have I Got News For You’ and created and starred in her own radio sit com ‘A Brief History of Time Wasting’. She was indeed a true English radical.

Perhaps less well known is the contribution Linda made to her adopted city, Sheffield, where she lived and worked for thirteen years. During her time here she was, with her partner Warren Lakin, the creative force behind popular theatre shows like ‘East Side Story’ ‘Absolutely Attercliffe’ and “Deepest Red” and also created the unforgettable comedy trio “The Chuffinnelles”. She later went on to play a key role in the hugely successful comedy club ‘Route 52’, a pioneer of alternative comedy in the city.

Marking that unique contribution and celebrating the successful career Linda later went on to forge in radio and television, this gala fundraising show will feature many characters and events from her Sheffield years, along with guest contributions from more recent friends and colleagues Jeremy Hardy, John Hegley, Steve Gribbin, jazz singer Sandi Russell and many others.

Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the British Humanist Association.