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The English American - A comedy gala performance in aid of BAAF, Thursday 20 May

Issued: 5 May 04

“Everybody should be adopted. That way you can meet your birth parents when you're old enough to cope with them.”

As part of the London Comedy Festival 2004, internationally acclaimed comedian Alison Larkin will be performing her one woman show The English American at a special gala night at Soho Theatre in aid of the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

Alison Larkin thought she was an English rose...only to discover that she was actually an American Redneck! Adopted at birth and raised in England, she discovered her roots in Bald Mountain, Tennessee. Combining stand-up comedy and theatre, Alison delivers a poignant, witty and enthralling tale based on the true story of her return to America to meet her birth parents and takes an honest look at the divide between 'them and us'.

Felicity Collier, BAAF's chief executive says:

“Alison's hugely entertaining and thought provoking approach to unearthing her identity encourages us to think about the importance of family connections and will have resonance for everyone in the audience. We are extremely grateful to Alison and to the Soho Theatre for hosting this gala night which will raise much needed funds to support our work.”

Actress Nimmy March will introduce the evening which also features Blake Morrison, acclaimed writer and former literary editor of The Observer, in conversation with Paolo Hewitt who will be reading extracts from The Looked After Kid, his personal memoir of growing up in a children's home.

Ends

Contact:

Lucy Handford, Media Assistant, 020 7593 2054

Note

1. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) is the UK's leading adoption and fostering charity.