Eddie Izzard

How comedians can help us take politics more seriously

The likes of Steve Coogan, Russell Brand and Eddie Izzard represent real life in the UK better than politicians in this election, so no wonder they engage us more.

Eddie Izzard campaigns for Labour in Grimsby - in heels

Eddie Izzard warned Labour's rivals that the battle for Grimsby was turning towards Labour.

In a cracking special, comedian Michael McIntyre is presenting a whole host of variety in Michael McIntyre's Easter Night At The Coliseum.

Filmed at the majestic Coliseum in the heart of London's Theatreland, Michael will do his own brand of stand up, whilst also welcoming a stellar line-up of other comedians on stage too. He'll also be joined by singing superstars and jaw-dropping speciality acts.

Ella Henderson and Sia are two of the artists exercising their vocal cords, and Eddie Izzard and Bill Bailey will entertain us with some comedy. Catherine Tate's infamous Nan will also be stopping by to have her say.

Radio Times review

Variety is dead, apart from the several annual TV spectaculars that show it isn't. This one is fronted by cool people's least favourite stand-up, the superb Michael McIntyre, and takes place in a proper West End theatre.

Other comics on the bill include Eddie Izzard, Bill Bailey and, intriguingly given that she's no longer known for solo stage work, Catherine Tate. There's music from US star Sia and our very own Ella Henderson, and some magic, too: Mat Franco, who is getting people talking in the States, makes his UK debut.

Eddie Izzard locks horns with Chelsea landlords

Comedian targets 'moneyocracy' by fighting Affinity Sutton's plans to replace 144 low-rent homes at William Sutton Estate with luxury apartments.

Mat Ricardo interview

A juggler and comedian, Mat Ricardo started out nearly 28 years ago as a street performer in Covent Garden, busking alongside the likes of Eddie Izzard. His professional act, Showman, bears the tagline: "Fast hands. Smart mouth. Nice suit".

Radio Times review

Err, so, yeah. Eddie Izzard made his career out of hilarious, dizzying, surreal routines held up by their own daft logic, but you can expect him to return to certain themes: history, religion, James Mason. He's Wikipedia in heels, and fans will find much of this show familiar even though the material is new.

Force Majeure shows that, no matter how much time he spends running marathons or running for public office, on stage he is still a force of nature. It's just a shame that his flights of fancy are somewhat locked into autopilot.

Eddie Izzard to headline major Shelter benefit

Eddie Izzard is to headline a one-off benefit for housing and homelessness charity Shelter. Stand up for Shelter will take place on Wednesday, 25 February, 2015 at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith.

John Cleese on Monty Python

It took some advice from Eddie Izzard to help John Cleese relax enough to enjoy Monty Python's recent reunion run.

In which celebrities discuss their most treasured moments in all of Python history. Jim Carrey explains his unwavering respect for the Ernest Scribbler "funniest joke in the world" sketch, while for Mike Myers it's the emerging use of "caméra-stylo" in the Alan Whicker-lampooning Whicker's Island. Elsewhere, Stephen Fry gushes on the most chucklesome, whip-smart "argument clinic", Jessica Hynes shows her adoration for Cleese's "fish licence" skit and Eddie Izzard declares a deep love of "hell's grannies". Continues all week.