Comedy / GWAAC
Michelle de Swarte, Kiri Pritchard Mclean, Huge Davies and Michael Odewale amongst stars to appear at GWAAC fundraiser ‘Heli Laughs’
The lineup for the 2026 annual comedy fundraiser for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has been announced.
Fresh from completing a successful tour of her latest solo show The Afters, comedian, presenter, actor and writer Michelle de Swarte will be headlining the event, which returns to Bristol Old Vic for a sixth year on September 3.
She is joined by the acclaimed Huge Davies, characterised for the esoteric brand of deadpan musical comedy he delivers with the help of his uniquely customised keyboard.
is needed now More than ever
Huge Davies – photo: courtesy of Avalon UK
Also appearing will be BAFTA-winning team writer and award-winning performer Michael Odewale, whose credits include Dreaming Whilst Black (BBC), Cunk on Earth (BBC), Friday Night Live (C4) and Live from The Moth Club (Dave).
Local comic and co-founder of the Bristol Comedy Festival Burt Williamson, who released his third solo standup special over the summer, is on the bill, with more still to be announced.
Hosting duties will be provided by the multi-award-winning comedian and writer, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, whose very capable hands – and characteristic sequins – should ensure the night lives long in the memory.
As a registered charity that receives no government or NHS grants, Heli Laughs is a key date in the calendar to help boost funding for GWAAC – with 100 per cent of ticket sales going directly back into the service (£67,000 from the 2025 event).
Kiri Pritchard-McLean – photo: Drew Forsyth
The critical care team consists of highly trained and experienced critical care doctors, advanced practitioners and specialist paramedics, who bring the skill and expertise of a hospital emergency department direct to the patient – whether “at the side of the road, in a muddy field or in their own home”.
Current annual operating costs for GWAAC are estimated at over £4 million. The charity is on hand all year round, saving lives and responding to approximately six critically ill or injured patients every day across Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire.
The GWAAC team responding to a critical care patient – photo: Paul Rubery/Blowfish
Charlie Rowen is the events manager for the charity. “Heli Laughs is a brilliant example of how our community can come together to support GWAAC in a fun and memorable way”, she says.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the comedians for performing, our sponsors, and everyone who buys a ticket. The funds raised from this event help our critical care team continue to be there for people on some of the worst days of their lives.”
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Heli Laughs is at Bristol Old Vic on September 3 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at bristololdvic.org.uk. Follow Great Western Air Ambulance Charity @gwaac.
Main photo: Matt Crockett (Michelle de Swarte: ‘The Afters’)
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