Gags for Good CIC was founded in 2025 by April Thompson and Graeme Rayner. Read more about each of them below.
April Thompson
I’m April Thompson a Sheffield-based comedian, writer, and co-founder of Gags for Good.
​
After breast cancer and becoming a mum, my confidence took a huge knock. I turned to stand-up comedy as a way to rebuild it to process everything I’d been through and find light in a dark time. What started as a personal outlet soon became a lifeline, helping me feel more connected and less isolated.
​
With over two decades of experience in events and community projects, I’ve seen first-hand how shared laughter brings people together. That’s why we founded Gags for Good to use comedy as a force for connection, confidence and wellbeing.
Now, I combine my love of comedy and community to help others find their voice, rebuild their confidence, and laugh their way through life’s challenges.
%20Andy%20Holingworth%20Archive%20(online%20only)_optimized.jpg)
Graeme Rayner
I'm Graeme Rayner. I made my comedy debut in November 2018 after completing a stand-up comedy course, which I did to kill two birds with one stone - to rasise funds in memory of my late ma, Jean, and because I'd always wanted to perform stand-up but was too scared I'd be awful to do it without help.
​
Since then I have performed at venues up and down the country, and beyond. I'm also a comedy promoter with my brand Gag N Bone Man Comedy. I was a finalist in the 2025 Halifax Comedian of the Year Competition, and a former British Comedian of the Year Semi-finalist.
​
I'm also a mental health advocate, having had my own mental health crisis iin the period following my mum's death, and I'm a fully qualified Mental Health first Aider.