Jason Manford to headline charity comedy gig in Manchester

Comedian Jason Manford is set to perform a live stand-up comedy show at The Oast House in memory of his long-time friend Michelle Mullane – a former XFM and Key 103 radio presenter who recently passed away from bowel cancer at the age of 50.

The Howl for the Bowel open-air show will take place on Easter bank holiday Monday next year – 18th April 2022 – with profits from the ticket sales going to Cancer Research UK. 

The Salfordian star will also be joined at the festival-style event by a host of big-name support acts from the worlds of comedy and music, to be announced over the coming months. 

Jason first met Michelle over a decade ago when she invited him onto her radio show Michelle Around Midnight to chat about his up-and-coming comedy career.

Michelle was a familiar voice across Manchester’s airwaves as she hosted lively talk shows on both XFM and Key 103, along with making regular appearances on BBC Radio Manchester.

She and Jason struck up an instant friendship and remained great pals over the years, staying in regular contact and catching up over a cuppa whenever they were able.

To this day, Jason still credits Michelle with giving him his first big break on the airwaves and helping him to carve out a successful career in comedy.

“Michelle was such a dear friend and helped me before I was anyone,” said Jason.

“She gave a lot of comedians their first chance of being on the radio and all my times I spent with her I only remember laughter. So it feels fitting to help put this show together in her honour.”

Sadly Michelle, who lived in Alderley Edge, was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in summer 2019 after being rushed to hospital with severe stomach pains.

She was referred for emergency surgery and received ongoing chemotherapy treatment at The Christie.

After a bravely fought battle, she passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve last year with hundreds of people – including former colleagues and celebrities like comedian Phil Jupitus, Britain’s Got Talent star Steve Royle and BBC Radio Manchester’s Phil Trow – paying tribute to her.

Michelle began 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 go ahead even in her absence.

The event is being generously sponsored by aps Media & Events, who are also producing the show, and The New World Trading Company, who own The Oast House in Spinningfields.

“I am thrilled to be able to announce my mum’s pride and joy – Howl for the Bowel,” said Michelle’s daughter, Liv Winter.

“She worked extremely hard on this event despite being so poorly and I am honoured to continue her legacy.

“The fact it’s happening on her birthday makes it even more poignant.

“My mum made me promise the event would go ahead no matter what, so this big announcement is for her.

“Everyone involved in this project wants to make my mum proud, so we can’t wait to reveal the rest of the line-up over the coming year.”

Chris Doyle, relationship manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Michelle was an incredible woman who always had a smile on her face.

“Despite the challenges of going through cancer treatment, she was determined to support others affected by the disease and was passionate about raising awareness of cancer and the research behind finding a cure for it.

“Last summer, she also backed a campaign to help raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK during the pandemic and helped to raise awareness of the impact of COVID-19 on future research into the disease.

“Her commitment and loyalty made a unique contribution to the progress we are making.

“Every year around 42,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.

“By supporting Howl for the Bowel you can enjoy a brilliant afternoon of entertainment while knowing you’re doing something extraordinary to help beat cancer.”   

Tickets are priced from £35 and are on sale now from theoasthouse.uk.com/howlforthebowel.