In support of Rise Brighton – a domestic abuse charity that offers advice, resettlement and therapy – End Of was a night that balanced the serious and the silly perfectly.

Despite appearing a happy, fun night with high heels and white wine in abundance, there was an undercurrent of understanding for the hard work the charity does.

The chilling ensemble performance by Julie Graham, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Zawe Ashton, Ann Mitchell and Sarah Solemani saw them reading pieces inspired by the real-life plight of one of the audience members, who had been helped by Rise, and the stunned silence lent gravity to the evening.

Other readings by Caitlin Moran, Suzanne Moore and Tracey Thorn ranged from the passionate to the very, very witty, and they were interspersed with musical interludes. From pastel-clad pop band Vanquish to leopard-print legend Linda Lewis’s rendition of her 1970s hit Rock-A-Doodle-Do, all genres were covered.

The show was closed by Alison Moyet singing Don’t Go among other greatest hits, before the tables were cleared back for a disco.

There’s barely any need to point out that all the performers were female, just that they were all brilliant, and united for a very worthy cause.