A little “localised” story here from Salisbury (England) which has about 42k people living there – but DOES boast Salisbury Cathedral and a little known pile of rocks, which the locals affectionately named Stonehenge.

The local comedy venue is Salisbury City Hall (capacity 1200) and Jimmy has been popping in to entertain the yokels since 2009. From the look of the picture in the article – it could be from that actual appearance!

The story that prompted this post is from Salisbury Journal, which has written about an “in-person box office” that will now be opened twice a week.

Not earth-shattering news but the place has been closed for 5 years, for refurbishment. Which would explain why, having performed a gig there this October (Laughs Funny), he previously hadn’t been there since 2019 (Terribly Funny tour).

The main thrust of the story is that Jimmy asked the audience to book tickets for “something else” to keep the venue open.

He regularly demonstrates his love of touring and fondness for the little old venues (around the UK) by using his stage time, to promote support for live entertainment. In any form.

I know (and I’m sure he knows) that lots of people don’t have cash to spare – but I think there’s the assumption that anyone that can buy tickets for HIS show, might have the funds to perhaps see something else.

It’s just really sad that public spaces in the UK (and elsewhere) are really struggling. I see stories about how we are losing pubs at a phenomenal rate but rarely see anyone worried about the small theatres. The places where comedy lives and breathes.