Sarah's in focus at afternoon festival

Up-and-coming comedian Sarah Morgan’s headline act at the famous Blackpool Opera House is no joke, though.

In fact, the performance, part of a fun-filled afternoon of comedy in aid of Comic Relief, will see Sarah fulfil a lifelong ambition.

She will perform at Gilly’s Comedy Gala, which will be hosted by Radio Lancashire afternoon presenter John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore.

A regular guest on Gilly’s radio programme, offering advice on the seemingly diverse topics of eye health and her fledging comedy career.

And during a recent interview she revealed to Gilly that it has been her lifelong dream to perform at the Blackpool Opera House, prompting big-hearted Gilly to make Sarah’s dream a reality.

She will top the bill for the two-hour show and will be introduced by one of her comedy heroes Jimmy Cricket, who will perform for the audience immediately before introducing Sarah to the Opera House stage for her big moment.

Her act will combine her comedy talent with her love of music and will include her popular parody of well-known operatic song Caro Mio Ben, called I Love my Pies.

Describing the moment she discovered she would be performing at the Opera House, Sarah said: “I was lost for words - literally - and it takes a lot for me to be silenced! My head was exploding with the opportunity ahead of me.

“In May 2016, I went to see Sarah Millican perform there, and during her show I kept thinking how much I wanted to perform on that stage. You have to be careful what you wish for!”

“I am really looking forward to having fun and enjoying the whole experience. The comedy legend Jimmy Cricket is going to be introducing me - what an honour!

“Jimmy set me the goal of working towards performing one day soon at the Winter Gardens. Suffice to say - the day I dreamt of has come rather sooner than expected! How wonderful!”

Gilly added: “When I was offered the Blackpool Opera House for my comedy gala, I thought they were joking!

“It’s not often that you get the chance to make a dream come true, though keeping everything top secret until we could spring the surprise on Sarah was very tricky!

“Sarah’s reaction, when I revealed all live on air, was amazing. I hope people come along to help give Sarah the experience of a lifetime and be part of what will be a great event for a fantastic cause.”

Anthony Williams, marketing manager at Blackpool Winter Gardens, said: “We’re delighted to be working with John Gillmore and the team on what will be a truly fantastic event for a great cause.”

Tickets for Gilly’s Comedy Gala on Friday March 24 are available from the Blackpool Winter Gardens box office.