Comedy Tree Publicity Stunt Goes Awry - September 2, 2004

Independent news sources are reporting that a planned global publicity stunt to announce the beginning of The Comedy Tree's third season in Putney, and the upcoming grand opening of its Hammersmith venue, has gone horribly wrong.

It is believed that Father Cornelius Horan, a former priest originally from Kerry, Ireland, was hired by The Comedy Tree to publicise their upcoming season. Horan was to follow the leader of the marathon race a few miles from the finish with The Comedy Tree’s message on his back. The priest, however, is reported to have wandered off to the pub before the race to steal up his nerves.

“He drank some ouzo, and lost his mind” said Manolis, a regular of the Athens pub. “He staggered out of the toilet and then made a bee-line for the marathon runners, knocking over my grandmother who wears a black headscarf and likes garlic”.

Horan's actions resulted in the leader of the marathon, Brazilian runner Vanderlei De Lima, finishing third. Pete Jonas and Erich McElroy of The Comedy Tree were unavailable for comment.

To make amends, all Brazilians will be admitted to The Comedy Tree Putney this week for free (Brazilian passport or drivers licence required). The show features special guest headliner from New York, Paul Provenza (from the West Wing and Northern Exposure) - “Stylish, intelligent wit… punchy, confident and compelling” CHORTLE, with Hils Barker, Steve Hall, Isy Suttie & MC Erich McElroy.