Sara Pascoe the comedian, writer, podcaster, host of Great British Sewing Bee, and star of Taskmaster, is hosting a night of comedy to raise funds for a library at Redlands Primary School in Reading. 

She will be joined by comedians Charlie Baker from TalkSport, Jonathan Elston, Vanessa Hammick, and Hajar Woodland on Wednesday June 26 2024 from 8 pm at South Street Arts Centre in central Reading.

The fundraising appeal, launched by the school’s Parent/Carer & Teacher Association, charity Friends of Redlands, in October 2023, was set up to turn the dream of a well-resourced and inspiring library at Redlands into a reality. 

Some of the UK’s biggest names from stage, TV and radio and publishing -  including Anthony Horowitz (author), James O’Brien (journalist and author), Mary Beard (author, broadcaster and historian), Marc Riley (DJ), Jessica Fostekew (Comedian), E.L. James (writer), TV’s Lorraine Kelly and Sara Pascoe herself – have already contributed to the appeal and recommended books for the children to read to form part of a special Redlands reading list.

Co-Chair and Trustee of Friends of Redlands Charity Stéphanie Mitchell, said “We’ve been so lucky that the community, whether locally, nationally or even internationally, helped us reach over £10k in four months, and create a cracking recommended reading list for Redlands children.  

"To now have a well-known performer and her comedy friends offer to host a fundraiser for our little school is very special.”

The plan for the library is more than just buying resources such as books and shelving.

Friends of Redlands have brokered conversations with the University of Reading to help support the planning and delivery of the library space, with advice from Charlotte Dormer, Academic Liaison Librarian at the Institute of Education, and help from the University of Reading’s School of Art students who are working with the Redlands pupils to design murals for the library walls.

The appeal is aiming to raise another £10k by July 2024, not only from the comedy event, but also from the ongoing crowdfunding campaign.

Anyone contributing to the cause is invited to recommend the name of their favourite story book as a child and add it to the notes when they donate. 

These recommendations will form part of a recommended Reading List for the children at Redlands for now and years into the future.

Redlands Primary School Leadership Team said “A library is the heart of any school. So to have a volunteer team of parents and carers work with us so collaboratively, and with such passion, and to not only think about the immediate need for books and library furniture but also completely involve the children and team in the process, is exciting and appreciated.  

"Like Friends of Redlands, we can’t wait to see Sara perform live at South Street.  It’s very exciting to have her and her friends performing for our school!”

To donate to the cause, please click here.