Night of comedy for cats

OCCASIONAL stand-up comedian Lance Mitchell is preparing to celebrate his birthday with a fair few belly laughs at a comedy gig to raise money for local animal welfare charity, Cat Lovers Ballarat.

Oz Tenpin Ballarat is the venue for A Night of Comedy with Lance Mitchell and Friends, a fundraising gig set for 7pm to 9pm on Saturday evening, 11 October.

Emceeing and also testing out a bit of his own gear, Mitchell said raising money for a good cause seemed a suitable way to celebrate his personal milestone.

“I’m putting together a comedy gig to raise money for a local charity, Cat Lovers Ballarat,” said Mitchell, who has been known to chuckle along to a funny cat video or two in his time.

“I think it’s a great cause and I think I’ll try out some jokes that I’ve been practicing for the last three months.

“If they don’t work out people can always go bowling.

“I have done a couple of open mic nights and I’ve done charity before.

“I donated my hair to be made into wigs for ill people. I had quite a lot of hair.”

Founded in 2018, Cat Lovers Ballarat is a registered domestic animal business and not-for-profit organisation that works closely with vets, volunteers and foster carers to rehabilitate unwanted stray cats and kittens and find them loving forever homes.

“We have a strong desire to improve cat welfare and to engender responsible pet ownership,” founder Sheryl Page said.

“We strive to improve the profile of cats, and at the same time, celebrate the wonderful positivity that cats bring to our lives.”

Originally from the UK, Mitchell and his wife Frida moved to Ballarat a few years ago and fairly quickly made their new abode feel more like home by promptly adopting a couple of cats.

“We adopted our first two cats from the shelter, and decided a bit later to adopt a third through Cat Lovers Ballarat,” Lance said.

“It was love at first sight.”

The night will also feature Andrew Kilmartin, Joe Baxter, Jorgia Rice, Rod Walsh and Neil Marriot, along with a small auction and a stall selling feline-themed items.

Mitchell’s advice for the night is ‘purrfectly’ simple.

“Just come and have laugh. There’s a licensed bar and a cafe with food and drinks available,” he said.

Tickets are just $5 and are available at the door.