Omnibus Presents Comic Relief
The comedy event of the year took place in April 1986 at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London. All those taking part gave their services free in order to support the famine relief camp in Umbala in the west of Sudan. Tonight Omnibus, in collaboration with Charity Projects, presents the best comic talents in Britain today. Among those appearing: Rowan Atkinson, Frank Bruno, Kate Bush, Graham Chapman, Billy Connolly, Ronnie Corbett, Paul Eddington, Ben Elton, French and Saunders, Stephen Fry, Bob Geldof, Terry Gilliam, Lenny Henry, Howard Jones, Terry Jones, Hugh Laurie, Hank Marvin, Rik Mayall, Michael Palin, Cliff Richard, Pamela Stephenson, Spitting Image, Midge Ure, The Young Ones.
Insights
Plot Summary
This television special served as the inaugural broadcast for Comic Relief, a UK-based charity aimed at raising money and awareness for those affected by poverty and injustice. It featured a collection of comedy sketches, musical performances, and celebrity appearances designed to entertain viewers and encourage donations.
Critical Reception
As a pioneering charity telethon, the initial reception focused more on its charitable impact and its success in engaging the public than on critical artistic merit. It was widely praised for its innovative approach to fundraising through entertainment and its ability to bring together a diverse range of popular comedians and performers.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its innovative fundraising approach.
- Celebrated for bringing together a wide array of comedic talent.
- Recognized for its significant impact in launching a major charity event.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this historical broadcast is not readily available. However, the event is generally remembered fondly for its charitable success and the memorable comedy segments it featured.
Awards & Accolades
None notable, as its primary success was in launching the Comic Relief charity event.
Fun Fact
The iconic red nose, now synonymous with Comic Relief, was introduced the following year in 1987, but the seeds of its popularity were sown with this initial broadcast.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources