Portsoy comedy night featuring Edinburgh Fringe viral sensation Robin Grainger supports community groups
A comedy night which featured a viral sensation has been declared a resounding success by organisers.
Robin Grainger, who became internationally known after his Edinburgh Fringe show attracted just one person, headlined the evening which supported Portsoy Community Enterprise (PCE) and Portsoy 75 Club.
More than 100 people packed into the Portsoy Town Hall for the sold-out event, which raised £1700.
Robin, who comes from the town, has a unique take on observational humour which went down a storm with attendees.
It was his first home town gig since he started in stand-up 10 years ago.
After his viral fame at the Fringe two years ago, he has had busy schedule of gigs and festivals.
He said: “It was great to finally come back and do a proper home town gig.
“It was amazing to see so many people come out to have a laugh, we totally rammed the town hall and caught up with old friends.
“Seeing my mum laughing in the audience was really special.”
Veteran of the comedy scene John ‘Obie’ O’Brien brought the laughs from Glasgow.
He has spent the last 20 years doing shows at comedy clubs and festivals around Scotland and had the audience laughing all evening.
A late addition to the night was fellow Glaswegian, Jeannie Jones, who had everyone in hysterics.
Comedian, impressionist and voice over artist Cal Halbert ensured the laughs did not stop, as MC for the night.
Chairman of Portsoy Community Enterprise David Urquhart said: “We are extremely grateful to the local community for supporting our first ever comedy night, the line-up of comedians was first class and the feedback has been excellent.
“As a social enterprise, we are always looking for ways to raise funds to support the development of local community projects.
“The event also enabled us to also support the Portsoy 75 Club, who do a huge amount of work around the town. More than £1700 was raised during the evening, which is excellent.”
PCE was established following the creation of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, and organises the annual event, which brings traditional boats to Portsoy’s 17th century harbour for a weekend celebrating the north-east’s maritime heritage.
This year’s event attracted more than 16,000 visitors and featured a display by the world-famous Red Arrows.
David added: “The festival has been part of Portsoy for the last 30 years and played a major role in putting the town firmly on the map, by highlighting our seafaring past.
“It was important to the board, and committee, that following the success of this year’s event, we give something back to help a range of community groups.
“We donated £250 to five different groups, which do great work with children, young people and residents in the area, during our fundraising comedy night.
“They included the Portsoy 60+ Social Club, Portsoy Parent Support Group, Fordyce Parent Support Group, Portsoy Pipe Band and Network Autism Sandend.
“Plans are already in progress for 2025 and we will be announcing more information about the event programme soon.”
Portsoy Community Enterprise is driven by a passionate and committed team of volunteers.
It brings together an array of assets, events and offerings to keep the ingrained heritage and cultures of north-east Scotland alive.
The organisation was established following the creation of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.
PCE comprises Portsoy Salmon Bothy, the Boatshed, Portsoy Links Caravan Park and the Sail Loft.
Working collaboratively, PCE aims to provide economic benefit from tourism for the town of Portsoy and the surrounding area, with all assets belonging to the community.
Visit www.portsoy.org for more information.
