#swanseagrandtheatre — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: City rallies for ‘our Kev’ as fundraiser launched after stroke

Jessica Rice, a close family friend, has set up the fundraiser to help ease financial pressures on Kev and his wife Rosie as he begins his recovery — with more than £2,200 already raised.

Known affectionately as “our Kev”, the much-loved entertainer has been a fixture of Swansea life for decades — from the panto stage at the Grand Theatre to the airwaves and the Swansea City stadium.

Now, the man who has spent a lifetime lifting others is being backed by the community he has given so much to.

In a heartfelt message on the fundraiser page, supporters said: “Kevin Johns MBE has been the heart of Swansea for decades… always showing up, always supporting others, and never asking for anything in return.

“Now, Kev needs us.”

Kev suffered a stroke and now faces a period of recovery where he is unable to work — coming after what friends describe as an already difficult few years.

Throughout it all, his wife Rosie has remained by his side “day and night”, with the fundraiser describing her support as the “true meaning of marriage”.

The page adds: “This fundraiser is our chance to give back to someone who has spent his life giving to others.

“We want Kev back doing what Kev does best — and he absolutely will be — but he needs the space and freedom to heal properly first.”

The appeal has struck a chord with many across Swansea, where Kev’s voice and personality have become part of the city’s identity.

Swansea Bay News previously reported that Kev was recovering after a minor stroke, and has also highlighted his incredible career — including more than 30 years as Swansea’s iconic panto dame and being awarded the Freedom of the City.

Supporters say this latest appeal is a chance for Swansea to “come together for Kev — just as he has always come together for us”.

Donations, big or small, are being welcomed to help Kev and Rosie focus fully on his recovery and return to the stage, the mic and the city he loves.

Nish Kumar brings his ‘angry humour’ to Swansea as new UK tour announced

Fresh off the global success of his 2024/25 show Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe, the award‑winning comedian has announced Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy, a new hour promising existential angst, political chaos and the trademark high‑energy fury that’s made him one of Britain’s most influential comedy voices.

The tour kicks off in Belfast on 9 September 2026, with Kumar heading to Swansea Grand Theatre on 31 October.

‘The world is ending… so I’m going back on tour’

Kumar, co‑host of the hit podcast Pod Save the UK and former frontman of BBC’s The Mash Report, says the new show arrives at a time when the world feels like it’s “breaking apart”.

“I looked out of the window and the world was ending,” he said. “Stand‑up comedy was the only thing that made sense to me — then it was co‑opted by charlatans in service of autocrats. I’m going back on tour to try and reconnect with the thing I love more than anything else. I promise the show will be funnier than this.”

A comedian at the top of his game

Kumar’s last tour sold out venues across the UK, North America, Australasia and Europe, earning rave reviews for its mix of political bite and personal honesty. Critics have called him “roaringly funny” (The Times) and “the pre‑eminent comic political polemicist of our time” (The Guardian).

Now entering his 40s, Kumar says audiences can expect a show that’s bold, fast‑paced and unflinchingly smart — tackling big questions with the fury, intelligence and warmth that have defined his career.

From Taskmaster to global tours

Named one of the 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century by both The Guardian and The Telegraph, Kumar has become a familiar face on TV and radio, appearing on Taskmaster, QI, Have I Got News For You, Live at the Apollo and more. His stand‑up specials have aired on Sky Comedy and Netflix.

Tickets for the new tour go on pre‑sale on Wednesday 28 January, with general sale from Friday 30 January at www.nishkumar.co.uk.

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