26/04/2004
Wanted: wise-cracking Priest and Rabbi!
Heard the one about the rabbi, the priest and the minister?
It's no joke, they're dusting off their best gags in the search for the funniest faith leader in Liverpool - the only problem is the rabbi and priest have yet to be found!
That's right - in this city famed for its wit, home to some of the nation's favourite funnymen and regarded as the country's comedy capital, a quick-witted Catholic and a jovial Jewish leader have yet to step into the spotlight.
Faith leaders from across the city will be swapping pulpits for microphones, and congregations for rowdy crowds, at the Liverpool Comedy Festival 2004.
The project - one of 80 funded by Liverpool City Council's Creative Communities grant - aims to celebrate humour within the city's diverse communities as part of Faith in One City, the second Capital of Culture themed year.
So far, budding comics from Sikh, Hindu, Methodist and Anglican backgrounds have signed up to take part but more rib-tickling representatives are still needed.
The Liverpool Comedy Trust is on the hunt for another three or four sharp-witted stand-ups in time for special comedy workshops starting on June 1st.
Top of the wanted list are wise-cracking Jewish leaders and Catholic jokers in the pack.
Chair of the Liverpool Comedy Trust, Gillian Miller, said: "This project is a unique way of celebrating the many faiths in Liverpool.
"We have encouraged all faith groups to take part and we've worked closely with them to make sure the event is both acceptable and accessible to them.
"Each participant will work with professional comedians at special workshops to ensure they'll be ready to tickle the city's funny bone at the Liverpool Comedy Festival in July."
Liverpool's Lord Mayor, Cllr Ron Gould, said: "This promises to be a great event.
"Faith in One City is all about involving the diverse communities in Liverpool and the Comedy Festival will certainly do that.
"It will be done in good taste and show a lighter side to faith and religion.
"There has been a great response to the appeal for stand-ups and I'm sure even more will catch the comedy bug to take part!"
ENDS
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