In November 2023, while the ongoing Israel/Gaza crisis was creating seismic pain and division, I co-founded Minority Retort, a ‘flagless’ comedy benefit.  

Many at this moment were shocked while paralysed by the fear of saying the wrong thing. I identified a human-first angle that could bypass politics. The decision to make the event ‘flagless’ was to move the conversation from sides to solidarity. The focus is then on what unites, rather than divides. This is reflected in the bill of comedians I booked, from Jewish and Muslim backgrounds. Plus, household names that will sell tickets and get the event media attention. 

By focusing on a high-quality West End show rather than straightforward donations, we sold out the venue and raised over £5000 for neutral grassroots charities. ‘Minority Retort’ succeeded in demonstrating that with a creative vision that unites rather than divides, we can achieve significant fundraising success even in these polarising times.