We are excited to be bringing back our successful comedy show breaking the taboos around men’s health, ‘A Healthy Dose of Humour’, to Halstead Empire Theatre, alongside Lost Sock Productions and Braintree District Council.
Through our research into men’s health, we found there was a need to get men talking about their health and wellbeing in non-traditional environments. Previously, we have run ‘Fella’s Fairs’ at sporting events such as football games and cricket matches and have recently been using comedy as a way to make men’s health easier to talk about.
Rich entertaining the crowds in Chelmsford
A talented line up of comedians will be taking to the spotlight once again to entertain the audience. Rich Wilson is returning to host after making the crowds laugh at the Chelmsford Fella’s Fair. He is the man behind the critically acclaimed podcasts ‘Insane in the Menbrain’ and ‘Insane in The Fembrain’, talking to funny and interesting people about their experiences with mental health.
Joining Rich on stage are comedians Roger Monkhouse and Bob Mills. Roger Monkhouse is one of the regular writers on Channel 4’s hugely popular comedy panel show ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, responsible for scripting up-to-the-minute topical gags. Bob Mills became best known for the late-night cult show ‘In Bed With MeDinner’, in which he commented on documentary video footage, and ITV’s daytime game show ‘Win, Lose Or Draw’.
Before the comedy begins, we have planned a line up of guest speakers who will be sharing their lived experiences of addiction, mental and physical health. Attendees will also receive a goody bag featuring resources from men’s health support agencies across Essex.
Scott Tatum, Engagement Manager at Healthwatch Essex said:
“At Healthwatch Essex we are extremely excited to be back at the amazing Halstead Empire on 13th March working in collaboration with Braintree District Council and Lost Sock Productions to raise awareness of the support available regarding men’s health and wellbeing. The last comedy event was a huge success with brilliant positive feedback gained. Raising awareness of the support available and encouraging men to talk more is the main aim of the event and on the evening there will be lived experience talks on stress and anxiety, addiction and gambling.”
Martyn Davies, founder of Lost Sock Productions said:
“I really am looking forward to collaborating with Healthwatch Essex and Braintree District Council again on this new upcoming ‘A Healthy Dose of Humour’ event. Following the success of our previous shows, it certainly demonstrates that by combining an evening of wellbeing and laughter is just the tonic for the good people of Essex!
“These events inspire and encourage men to reach out and talk to the big network of support available here in Essex. Listening to people speak on their own personal journeys of wellbeing before the comedy show is just what someone may need to hear. If you haven’t joined us yet make sure to grab a complimentary ticket, and see why we are the county’s leading men’s health and wellbeing event.”
Councillor Lynette Bowers-Flint, Cabinet member for housing, health and wellbeing at Braintree District Council said:
“We’re proud to partner with Healthwatch Essex and Lost Sock Productions to bring ‘A Healthy Dose of Humour’ to the Empire Theatre in Halstead. This event, along with the new Fella’s Forum in the Braintree district, demonstrates our commitment to providing accessible support and resources for men in our community. We encourage residents to get their tickets for this fantastic evening of entertainment and support.”
We are also starting a new Fella’s Forum in the Braintree area, following the success of the forums in Colchester and Harlow. The Fella’s Forums draw together men of all ages from across Essex and provides them with a space to talk about topics such as their physical and mental wellbeing, the football result from the weekend, or anything else they wish to share and discuss. The forum offers a great opportunity for networking and building friendships with people from the community who we may not encounter in our everyday lives. To join one of the forums, get in touch with Scott on [email protected].
‘A Healthy Dose of Humour’ will be at Halstead Empire Theatre, 57 Butler Rd, Halstead, CO9 1LL on Thursday 13th March 2025. Doors open at 7pm, with guest speakers from 7.30pm and comedians from 8pm – 10pm. The event is free but tickets are required for entry – get your complimentary ticket here. Only a few tickets left so register your space now!
The show may contain adult content so 18+ only. Acts may be subject to change. Promotional photography and filming will take place at the event. This event has been commissioned by Braintree District Council, thanks to the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
