Peep Show actor who taught likes of Rhod Gilbert and Greg Davies is knocking novices in to shape for disfigurement charity

Islington Gazette: Comedian Rhod Gilbert, one of the more famous alumni of Logan Murray's Stand Up and Deliver course.Comedian Rhod Gilbert, one of the more famous alumni of Logan Murray's Stand Up and Deliver course. (Image: EMPICS Sport)

“All creativity comes out of play,” says Logan Murray, whose job it is to turn 14 novices into stand-up comedians in eight weeks.

Mr Murray, who has been making people laugh for a living since 1988, has taught the likes of Rhod Gilbert, Greg Davies and Andi Osho.

But in aid of disfigurement charity Changing Faces he is now charged with rearing a group of comedy virgins, including a Gazette reporter, who will all go on stage in King’s Cross on November 1.

The terrified candidates are currently undergoing weekly three-hour sessions at the Star of Kings Pub, where they have already begun thinking up material for their five minutes of fame – through the art of play.

Delighted

Mr Murray, who has appeared in Channel 4’s Peep Show, said: “I was delighted to be asked to by an ex-student to take part in this challenge for the charity.

“Normally when people do these things to raise money they are walking across the desert or taking on some cycling trek which is great and you probably have fantastic memories.

“This is quite a mad, nerve racking thing for people to do, but it’s a great feeling.

“If you can make a whole bunch of people laugh it’s a wonderful thing to take away and use for the rest of your life.

“I think people watch and perform comedy because laughter liberates us from the tyranny of the everyday world. A joke offers us a surprise in the punchline. And we all like surprises.”

Changing Faces is a charity for people and families who are living with conditions, marks or scars which affect their appearance.

As well as helping individuals the charity also works to transform public attitudes towards people with an unusual appearance.

All the money raised from tickets bought for the show and each of the would-be comics will be raising money for the charity through sponsorship.

Elisa Riche, 22, who is taking part in the challenge, said: “The show sort of terrifies me, but the feeling that dominates is definitely excitement. Adrenalin is here just thinking about it.

“I’m proud of all of us for going on stage and making fools out of ourselves and raising awareness and funds for people living with disfigurement.”

I’ll be taking on the challenge on November 1, to sponsor me click here