Pledge as show goes on
TV funnyman Russell Brand has donated the proceeds from his standup gig in Southport to the victims of the bombing.
The comic and actor announced his generosity as he walked on stage for his show at Southport Theatre on Tuesday night.
Jan Hayes, who runs local firm StarKidz, was among the audience.
She said: “Russell Brand is donating the ticket money from tonight’s show to the victims of the Manchester bombing.
“He came on stage and did a lovely speech.
“He came on before it officially started and said how awful it was, said that we should all have a good time despite everything.
“When he said he was donating all the money everyone clapped and cheered. Everyone had a great time.”
The audience had to undergo much tougher security checks on entry.
Jan said: “Security was very tight, staff were checking men’s pockets and ladies’ bags.
“I’m really glad I went, I was in two minds about going. Felt a bit wrong to go out to something and having a laugh but think we all felt the same.”
Southport Theatre general manager Lisa Chu said: “This generous gesture from Russell Brand is fantastic, and sums up the overwhelming reaction of people wanting to help that has been evident throughout the North West since Monday night.”
Mr Brand posted his thoughts on his blog ahead of the gig. He wrote: “At times like this to be loving takes incredible strength. As that peculiar and great son of Manchester, Morrissey said “It’s easy to laugh, it’s easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind.”
“Observe how this event is reported. Observe how it is used. Stay true to love and try to be strong and kind.”