COMEDIAN Jason Manford puts on a live stand-up comedy show in memory of a Cheshire broadcaster who gave him his first major breakthrough.
The performance at The Oast House in Manchester honors his longtime friend Michelle Mullane of Knutsford, a former XFM and Key 103 radio host who recently lost her battle with colon cancer at the age of 50.
The open-air show Howl for the Bowel will take place on Easter Monday next year – April 18, 2022 – the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Cancer Research UK.
A variety of well-known support acts from the world of comedy and music will take part in the open air show, the details of which will be announced in the coming months.
Jason first met Michelle over a decade ago when she invited him on her Michelle Around Midnight radio show to discuss his emerging comedy career.
Michelle, who lived in Alderley Edge, was a familiar voice on Manchester’s airwaves as she hosted lively talk shows on both XFM and Key 103 and appeared regularly on BBC Radio Manchester.
Liv Winter and Michelle Mullane
Liv Winter and mom Michelle Mullane
She and Jason became friends immediately and remained close friends over the years, staying in regular contact and drinking coffee whenever they could.
To date, Jason credits Michelle for giving him his first major breakthrough on the airwaves and helping him make a successful career in comedy.
Jason said, “Michelle was such a dear friend and helped me before I was anyone. She gave a lot of comedians their first chance on the radio, and all of my time with her I remember only laughing. It therefore feels appropriate to put this show together in her honor. ”
Unfortunately, Michelle was diagnosed with incurable colon cancer in the summer of 2019 after being hospitalized with severe abdominal pain.
She was referred for emergency surgery and ongoing chemotherapy at The Christie.
After a valiant battle, she died peacefully on Christmas Eve last year along with hundreds of people – including former colleagues and celebrities like comedian Phil Jupitus, British Got Talent star Steve Royle and BBC Radio Manchester’s Phil Trow – who paid their tribute .
Michelle started planning Howl for the Bowel with Jason before her death, but when the gig was postponed due to Covid-19, she remained determined that it should continue in her absence.
The event is generously sponsored by aps Media & Events, who also produce the show, and The New World Trading Company, who own The Oast House in Spinningfields.
Michelle’s daughter Liv Winter said, “I’m very excited to announce the pride and joy of my mother – Howl for the Bowel.
“She worked extremely hard on this event despite being so bad and I am honored to continue her legacy. The fact that it is on her birthday makes it even more poignant.
“My mother promised me that the event would definitely take place, so this big announcement is for her. Everyone involved in this project wants to make my mom proud, so we can’t wait to reveal the rest of the line-up next year. ”
Chris Doyle, Relationship Manager at Cancer Research UK, said, “Michelle was an amazing woman who always had a smile on her face. Despite the challenges of treating cancer, she was determined to serve other people with the disease and was passionate about raising awareness about cancer and the research behind finding a cure for it.
“Last summer, she also supported a campaign to raise key funds for Cancer Research UK during the pandemic and helped raise awareness of the impact of Covid-19 on future research into the disease.
“Your dedication and loyalty have made a unique contribution to our progress.
“Approximately 42,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the Northwest each year and one in two British people born after 1960 will develop cancer at some point in their life. When you support Howl for the Bowel you can enjoy a brilliant afternoon of entertainment knowing that you are doing something extraordinary to fight cancer. “
Julie Chatzkelson, Managing Director at aps Events & Media, said: “We are delighted and very proud to be involved in delivering such a poignant event for Cancer Research UK, now in memory of our dear friend Michelle.
“A little over 18 months ago, Michelle and I met for a cappuccino or two, passionately discussing an initial plan for the event.
“Due to Covid the event, which was supposed to take place in July 2020, had to be postponed and unfortunately Michelle passed away before we could set a new date. But Liv promised her that ‘the show will go on’ and we are happy to have that April 18, 2022, Michelle’s birthday – and we are sure to have an unforgettable party. ”
Danny Leach, General Manager of The Oast House, said, “We are honored to host this important fundraising event. Supporting charities and local causes in every possible way enables us to repay a small portion of the local support we have received over the past nine and a half years. ”
Due to the size of the venue, a limited number of people will be able to see this exclusive and intimate event.
Tickets priced at £ 35 will be on sale on Wednesday June 9th at 10:00 am at theoasthouse.uk.com/howlforthebowel. sold
