Ed Byrne Announces That His Middlesbrough Show Will Be Delayed By An Hour To Give More People Time To Vote
Comedian Ed Byrne has decided to delay the start of his show on election day to give people more time to vote. Byrne's performance of "Tragedy Plus Time" at Middlesbrough Town Hall was set for 7:30 PM BST on Thursday but will now begin at 8:00 PM.
Byrne explained, "I’d hate to be the reason people gave for why they didn’t vote."
The venue's general manager, Kesia Bruce, supported the move, stating that the Town Hall would still be open from 7:00 PM for early arrivals. "We’re really looking forward to welcoming Ed back to the Town Hall for what is guaranteed to be a great night," she added.
Bruce highlighted that the venue’s decision to support the delay aligns with their commitment to the community. They believe this small adjustment could positively impact voter turnout.
Byrne's show explores the grief and loss he experienced after his younger brother Paul passed away at 44 in 2022. The theme revolves around the idea that humour is "tragedy plus time," inspired by a quote often attributed to Mark Twain.
This initiative comes in response to low voter turnout in Middlesbrough, which has been below the UK average in the last three general elections. In 2019, voter turnout was just 56.1%, the lowest in the north-east of England and among the bottom 20 constituencies nationwide.
Polling stations will be open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, providing ample time for eligible voters to cast their ballots. By pushing back the show’s start time, Byrne hopes to encourage more people to participate in the election without feeling rushed.
Byrne, well-known for his television appearances on shows like "Mock The Week" and "Would I Lie To You?" is currently on a nationwide tour. Alongside his stand-up career, he previously hosted "Ed Byrne’s Just For Laughs" on RTE TV.
As the election day approaches, Byrne's gesture underscores the importance of voting, ensuring that entertainment doesn't interfere with civic duty.
