Comedy streamed live from The Covid Arms

Lockdown as a result of the biggest C word on everyone’s lips at the moments (yes, I mean coronavirus), has had its ups and downs.

But through all those downs, people around the world have managed to find time to relax and get a bit more creative. We’ve found innovative new ways to host work meeting (thank you, Zoom), played more quizzes than we ever thought possible (I personally participated in a seven round Harry Potter quiz), and found new and exciting ways to stay connected, yet separate.

One of the most interesting things I’ve seen as a result of coronavirus and our consequent confinement to our houses, is Comedy streamed live from The Covid Arms. Now, let’s be honest, after nine long weeks stuck in lockdown with the same family or friends, we could probably all do with a bit of a laugh.

Or maybe just a gun.

Now, you may be asking how or what Comedy at the Covid Arms really is, well in short, it is a virtual pub hosting weekly Saturday comedy nights over Zoom.

Founded by Jess Lea-Wilson, her brother Jake and Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Comedy at the Covid splits the proceeds from tickets between the comedians whose livelihoods are at stake due to coronavirus, but also to the Trussel Trust, a charity that supports the nationwide web of food banks, and provides emergency food and support to those in poverty. You can opt to either purchase a ticket to the live stream on Zoom (£2 or more), or if you’re feeling fancy, bag yourself a ‘front row’ seat (£10 or more) which means the comedians can interact with you on Zoom. You’ll need to switch on that webcam if you opt for this, and you also have the potential to be publicly ridiculed on a video call. What’s not to love?

Throughout lockdown, Comedy at the Covid has racked up a pretty impressive line up of comedians, from Iain Stirling, Russel Kane, Rosie Jones, Nish Kumar, Nina Gilligan, Sara Pascoe, Russel Howard, Ed Gamble and many, many more.

This Saturday will mark the tenth instalment of late night laughs, and will play host to another stellar line up of comics, including: Welsh favourite Rhod Gilbert, Jessica Fostekew, Anna Man, music from James Morton, and the weekly Welsh firecracker who acts as compare, Kiri Pritchard McLean.

So, as the Covid Arms team put it, ‘mix yourself a Pina co-lockdown’ and we’ll see you in the front row on Saturday at 7pm for some roasting.