Comic Relief unveils Donation Statues
Comic Relief has unveiled a series of statues of British comedians. The 10 life-size models are equipped with technology to allow the public to donate to the charity with their contactless credit or debit card.
Miranda Hart officially unveiled the collection in London's Goldsmiths' Hall, the iconic institution for craft and industry. The plan is for the Comic Relief Donation Statues to now make their way across the UK to raise money for Red Nose Day.
Miranda said: "Yes you've heard it right, I will be immortalised in statue form for Red Nose Day - my very own doppelgänger (good word) but obviously I am much more beautiful in real life..."
Comic Relief explains: "Miranda and friends will be popping up all over the UK from 12th February 2015. The public will be able to tap their card on the pocket of the Donation Statues to donate £1 to Comic Relief through the magic of Barclays contactless technology or via the Barclays Pingit app. Donors can even snap a celebrity selfie to share with friends using #RNDStatues."
The Donation Statues are the invention of Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis, who has collaborated with many of the nation's favourite comedy stars over the years.
Richard said: "Since the beginning of Comic Relief I've asked hundreds of exceptionally talented and generous comedians to do strange things to raise money and this might be the oddest request yet. Huge thanks to all ten who agreed to let us turn them into a statue. As well as perfect selfie opportunities, just a simple tap on the pocket with a contactless card will give a £1 donation to help incredibly vulnerable people in the UK and across Africa. We've come a long way in fundraising since 1988!"
The ten statues will be placed as follows:
Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) - Norwich, intu Chapelfield Shopping Centre.
Billy Connolly - Glasgow, intu Braehead Shopping Centre.
David Walliams - London, Westfield Stratford City.
Dawn French - Buckinghamshire, intu Milton Keynes Shopping Centre.
Del Boy (David Jason) - Bristol, Cabot Circus.
Eddie and Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous (Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley) - London, Westfield White City.
John Bishop - Warrington, Golden Square Shopping Centre.
Lenny Henry - Dudley, intu Merry Hill Shopping Centre.
Miranda Hart - Exeter, Guildhall Shopping Centre.
Mr Bean (Rowan Atkinson) - Newcastle, intu Eldon Square Shopping Centre.
The statues will be at the shopping centres from the 12th to 18th February (except Miranda's statue in Exeter, which is 14th to 18th February).
Talking about his statue, the character of Alan Partridge said: "While there's nothing 'comic' about my statue, it's a 'relief' to have finally been recognised through the medium of sculpture. Like me, the statue is strong, implacable, like a kindly Vladimir Putin - if you can imagine such a thing/with a shirt on. And like me it'll no doubt be dumped on repeatedly! Although by pigeons rather than fellow broadcasters. So be it. If it encourages people to donate to Comic Relief and think about the way they treat people, it will have been worth it."
Rowan Atkinson commented: "It's a privilege to be involved with Comic Relief's comedy history and I'm delighted to be bringing Bean back as a statue. I do hope that he manages to raise a lot of cash."
Billy Connolly said: "I've been supporting Comic Relief for many years and to have a statue made of me is truly an honour. I've run around Piccadilly Circus naked and visited projects in Africa but they've never asked me to stand still and be quiet before!"
John Bishop notes: "It's a massive honour being made into a statue for Comic Relief and I hope it raises money for this great charity. The last time Comic Relief asked me to do something, I ended up twirling a ribbon wearing a leotard and the time before that I did my triathlon for Sport Relief, so I'm glad I only have to stand still this time! Please come and see something that looks more like me than I do, even get a picture and donate a few quid for Red Nose Day!"
David Jason added: "The character Del Boy seems to be a big hit with the British Public and I loved playing him, so I'm delighted that he has been brought back for Comic Relief. Look out for Del Boy wheeling and dealing around Bristol and don't forget to donate!"
Lenny Henry commented: "Red Nose Day is founded on the idea of comedians doing silly things to raise cash. Statues of us doing silly things means we can do even more this year! I'm so honoured that there's a statue of me going to my home town of Dudley. I really hope lots of people go and see it to donate cash."
David Walliams concluded: "It's a relief to be asked by Comic Relief to do something that doesn't involve a wetsuit. I hope lots of people visit my statue and help us raise some much needed money this year for Red Nose Day. I've been to see how the money makes a difference and know Comic Relief will spend it well."
Red Nose Day 2015 is on Friday 13th March, when the great British public will be asked to 'Make Your Face Funny for Money'. New sketches from Mr Bean, The Vicar Of Dibley, David Walliams and Catherine Tate will form part of the BBC programming on the night.
To find out more about Comic Relief, discover more events surrounding Red Nose Day, or to make a donation visit RedNoseDay.com
Here is a video of Miranda Hart at the launch today: