Comedy stars sign up for big Mencap comedy gig

Putting on a comedy gig is a great way to raise money for good a cause, thus it is no surprise that charity-related press releases drop into BCG's inbox seemingly every other day. Mencap's Big Comedy Special has really caught our attention though.

Taking place at The Hammersmith Apollo in London on Tuesday 2nd October, the gig features one of the best line-ups of the year - with some particularly notably unique performances expected.

The stand-up headliners include TV stars Russell Howard, Jon Richardson, Jo Brand, Omid Djalili and Tim Vine - all of whom have some particularly funny material at the moment.

There's also stand-up performances planned from the quick witted Andrew Maxwell, podcasting favourite Richard Herring, Radio 4 regular Susan Calman and Scotland's Wendy Wason.

All super-fine comedians, however it is the other names on the list that have particularly sparked BCG's interest. Hunderby star Jessica Hynes's name appears on the line-up for example. No news on what she has planned yet, but that is definitely a performance to look out for.

Channel 4 sketch duo Cardinal Burns are also on the bill, teaming up with sitcom actor Tim Downie for some sketches. A great chance to see them ahead of their second series.

Award-winning impressionist and actor Ronni Ancona has also just been announced as joining the line-up. She'll be performing a specially commissioned sketch for the Big Comedy Special written by the comedy writing partnership of Jason Hazeley, Joel Morris and James Serafinowicz.

They'll also be impressions from Britain's Got Talent finalist Francine Lewis. If you saw on the ITV talent show you'll know her versions of Stacey Solomon, Amy Childs, Katie Price, Holly Willoughby and Cheryl Cole are big crowd pleasers.

Actress Lucy Punch (Bad Teacher etc) is one of those who will be taking part in other never-before seen sketch on the night, with more guests still to be announced to complete the cast. It's set to be a great night.

Jo Brand (pictured) is a keen supporter of the work of Mencap, as she explains here: "Once again I'm really looking forward to being part of the Mencap Big Comedy Special. I have worked with adults and children with a learning disability since the age of 17 and it's a charity close to my heart."

Jon Richardson also has a connection with the charity. He jokes: "Throughout my childhood my mum worked very hard in learning support and I'm delighted that dropping out of university and following a career as a clown hasn't excluded me from doing my bit to help people with a learning disability. I'm proud to be working with Mencap and honored to be sharing a bill with so many comedians I truly admire."

Ronni Ancona comments: "I am honoured to be taking part in a show to raise funds for such an amazing cause which is at the forefront of support for the learning disability community - The planned sketches look great fun and I'm really looking forward to participating."

Susan Calman concludes: "The Mencap Big Comedy Special is going to be an amazing night, not just because of the fantastic line up of comedians appearing, but also because of the inspiring work that Mencap does supporting people with a learning disability and their families. We'll be raising lots of money by making people laugh lots."

Mencap campaigns for equal rights, aims to challenges attitudes and prejudices, and support people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want to. All proceeds from The Big Comedy Special will support Mencap's continued work in these areas. Mark McGoogan, Director of Fundraising at Mencap says: "This will be a truly fantastic event and we're so grateful to all the comedians taking part who have given up their time to help raise money for a really great cause."

The Big Comedy Special starts at 7pm on Tuesday 2nd October at The Hammersmith Apollo (London). Tickets are priced at £27.50 and are available to buy via www.hammersmithapollo.com or by calling 020 7696 5546. Enjoy!