Michael McIntyre

First things first. Chris Moyles was brave to have a stab at being a comedy compere on BBC3 last Monday. But if Chris Moyles' Comedy Empire was an attempt to prove he is ready to step into Michael McIntyre's shoes on Comedy Roadshow or Live At The Apollo I'm afraid it's bad news.

Because not even Jimmy Carr's accountant could make the memories of this performance disappear. It's one thing making a radio studio full of toadies rock with laughter, Chris.
But a theatre full of paying punters will always find you out. Especially if you don't actually tell any jokes.

It's Live at the Apollo for the stroppy teenage children of the nation's league of Michael McIntyre fans, basically. Corralled by Russell Kane, a series of young comedy pretenders jostle for attention with inevitably variable but sometimes amusing results. It's pretty hyperactive stuff - nothing's on for more than a couple of minutes, so if one sketch or routine doesn't float your boat, there'll be another one along in a minute. Highlights include duo Two Episodes of Mash (featuring the wonderfully lugubrious, occasionally slightly unnerving Joe Wilkinson) and Nick Helm who closes the show with a song. Hopefully this series will keep the cast rotating - it's a potentially decent showcase for the next comedy generation, with no time for anyone to properly die on their arse.

For once, it actually is openly about the money, money, money as the cream of mainstream comedy gathers for C4's annual Great Ormond Street fundraiser. And, while it's a bit harsh to call Jessie J a comedy act, there she is, headlining while plenty of big names wait in the wings for their three minutes on the mike. Such is the extraordinary popularity of stand-up now that plenty of the comedians in question (even - whisper it - a good number of the mediocre ones) will also be used to arenas of this size and paydays to match. Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre and Sean Lock will have seen it all before, but for up-and-comers such as Seann Walsh, Josh Widdicombe and Paul Chowdhry, this represents a significant opportunity to raise the profile. Oh, to be in that green room when someone crashes and burns...

The charity extravaganza returns for a third year, filmed at London's O2 Arena a week ago. Jessie J, coach on The Voice UK, opens proceedings with a live performance. She's followed by an all-star cast of comedians including Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre, Jack Dee, Jo Brand and Jack Whitehall. Once again, the two Carrs - Jimmy and Alan - will also be "hijacking" the commercial breaks. It's all in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Woman queues 7 hours for Michael McIntyre tickets

A woman proved her dedication to Michael McIntyre at the weekend when she queued up for seven hours to get her hands on tickets for the funnyman when he arrives in Berwick next month.

Michael McIntyre: Up there on his own

Michael McIntyre is the record-breaking, arena-filling, primetime comedian who just a few years ago was performing to one man and his drink. But the comic's rise has not been as simple as it may seem. Here, he riffs on being an outsider, fighting the class war and why certain contemporaries don't get the joke.

What? No Michael McIntyre? The Chortle awards 2012

The comedy website Chortle announced its annual award winners last night at a glittering, clown-studded London event and I have to admit I couldn't have chosen better myself. But then actually I was involved in the choosing, as part of the panel who whittled the massive comedy scene down to a shortlist which readers could then vote for online.

The Pogues ask Michael McIntyre to drop joke

Michael McIntyre has been banned by Irish rockers The Pogues from mocking their hit song Fairytale of New York in his stand-up routine.

Michael McIntyre hits back at critics

The millionaire standup comedian tells those who have sneered at his routines: 'If it's so easy then why don't you do it?'

Interview with Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe talks about gigging with Michael McIntyre, future plans and why comedians are insecure.