The energy is high in the One25 building today, feeding off the buzz of last night. We were thrilled to celebrate International Women’s Day with hysterical comedy from an all-female line-up, hosted at the beautiful St George’s Bristol.
The night was kicked off by Bristol legend and One25 advocate, Dani Johns, who expertly warmed up the crowd and was our MC for the evening. Dani rightly raved about how the One25 IWD comedy night has grown from a virtual fundraising event during the pandemic, to a sold-out show with Sara Pascoe for over 500 guests! We’re so thankful to Dani for being such a fantastic long-term supporter. Without her, these events wouldn’t be possible.
Dani welcomed our first act of the evening, who needs no introduction – Sara Pascoe! It was such a treat to see Sara open the show, and she had the whole hall roaring with laughter about her man-child husband.
Sara was followed by one of our favourite local funny-women, Louise Leigh! Louise’s energy filled the room and she had the audience in stitches with her brilliantly relatable take on mid-life hobbies.
Before the interval, we heard from our CEO, Jenny Riley. Jen reflected on 2025 being our 30th year at One25. The impact we have had in that time is huge, but we hope to see greater change in the next 30 years, so that we are no longer needed.
"Women continue to face complex challenges and need specialist support to heal from their experiences. And we won't give up the fight - we will always have hope for the women and their futures."
- Jenny Riley, CEO - One25
The second half was opened by our title sponsor, Grace & Green. Founder and CEO, Fran Lucraft, told us about the important work Grace & Green are doing to ensure all people have access to ethical, sustainable, and affordable period care.
"At Grace & Green, we believe in dignity, empowerment, and meaningful change. That’s why we’re so proud to support One25 in their vital work, helping women in Bristol escape crisis and trauma and rebuild their lives with hope and respect. This International Women’s Day, we’re so thrilled to be part of this incredible comedy event, using laughter as a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and making meaningful change."
- Fran Lucraft, CEO and Founder - Grace & Green
We were thrusted back into hysterics with another Bristol-based entertainer, June Tuesday. Describing herself as a ‘toxic trans mess’, June had us doubled over with her chaotic anecdotes.
The night reached its peak with Irish comedy superstar Alison Spittle, who stepped in as a last-minute addition to the lineup and delivered an unforgettable set. She had the audience cheering for more as she ran over time, leaving our cheeks aching and our hearts full.
It was a phenomenal night supported by incredible comedians, businesses, staff, and volunteers, raising over a record-breaking £20,000! A huge shout-out to our wonderful Community Fundraiser, Lu, who has been part of One25 for 15 years. This was her final event with us, and she went out with a bang! We wish her all the best in her next adventure.
Thank you to our amazing photographer, Stefka, from Wild Fig Photography and thank you so much to our sponsors:
Grace & Green, Torchbox, Truffle Shuffle, Astute Beverages, Jump Design & Print, AgencyUK, and Something Familiar.
The theme this International Women’s Day is #AccelerateAction and, for the women we meet street sex-working in Bristol, change is urgently needed.
