Gambit Partners at Stand Up Challenge 2025
Written by Luke Glassford
Last week our team headed to The Y Theatre for Big Difference Company’s Stand Up Challenge – a brilliant night where business and charity leaders swap the boardroom for the stage to perform five minutes of original stand-up, all in aid of a great local cause.
Representing Gambit Partners on the night were Richa Patel and Richard Lane, who said it was fantastic to see the Leicester community come together, cheer each other on, and raise funds for Big Difference Company, the charity behind Leicester Comedy Festival and The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival.
A celebration of courage, community and comedy
Stand Up Challenge is exactly what it sounds like: a group of brave first-timers writing and performing their own set, supported and mentored by comedian Jason Neale through one-to-one coaching and a try-out show. This year’s line-up featured:
- Jacqui Norton
- Sunita Patel
- Miles Barnes
- Liam Fish
- Trusha Lakhani FCCA
- Rob Spence
- Sallyanne Kirk
- Hema Badger-Mistry
They were all winners in our eyes, but special congratulations go to Sunita Patel who took the crown for 2025, with Liam Fish in second and Hema Badger-Mistry and Rob Spence sharing third place. We were especially proud to cheer on Hema from Pedestrian, one of our previous Charities of the Year.
Why this event matters
Big Difference Company is motivated to make a big difference in as many lives as possible. Through comedy and the arts, the charity promotes health and wellbeing, champions access and inclusion, supports equality and diversity, and delivers outreach to rural communities and young people. The funds raised by Stand Up Challenge help sustain that work throughout the year, as well as the two flagship festivals every February.
As a Leicester business, we believe in showing up for local initiatives that bring people together and create opportunities. Events like Stand Up Challenge are more than a great night out - they strengthen the ties between businesses, charities, education and culture. We’re grateful to the team at Big Difference Company, the volunteers and sponsors including Howes Percival LLP for making it happen.
Our takeaway
Watching first-time performers step into the spotlight reminded us how powerful community support can be. It takes courage to try something new in front of a packed theatre. It also takes a supportive network to make that experience feel safe, positive and memorable. That’s the Leicester we’re proud to be part of.
Get involved
If you couldn’t make it this year, keep an eye out for the next Stand Up Challenge and the Leicester Comedy Festival programme. If you’d like to support Big Difference Company’s work, consider donating or spreading the word about their events.
From everyone at Gambit Partners, well done to all the performers, organisers and supporters who made Stand Up Challenge 2025 such a success. We’ll see you at the next one.
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Written by
Luke Glassford
Marketing Director at Gambit Partners