A GALAXY of comedy stars is heading to Greenwich on Saturday (May 18) for a charity gig to help sick children.

The Channel 4 Comedy Gala at the O2 features an incredible line-up of funny men and women – plus dance phenomenon Diversity - all trying to raise money for a new operating theatre at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which will enable surgeons to help children with rare and often life threatening illnesses.

The comics confirmed so far include: Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans, Noel Fielding, Kevin Bridges, Jo Brand, Rhod Gilbert, Rich Hall, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross, Jack Dee, Adam Hills, Paddy McGuinness, Jason Byrne, Seann (corr) Walsh, Tom Stade, Josh Widdicombe and Paul Chowdhry.

Recently added to the bill are Miranda Hart, Warwick Davis, Jon Richardson and Nina Conti.

The show, from 7.30pm, will be recorded for a two-hour Channel 4 special later in the year.

Since its inception four years ago, the gala has raised a total of more than £2.5million for the children’s hospital.

Tickets cost from £40 to £100. Go to axs.com or call 0844 8560202.

News Shopper:

 

Can’t make it or thirsty for more laughs? Here’s News Shopper’s top five comedy picks over the next month:


Celebrity Pub Quiz at The Hob, Forest Hill on Thursday, May 16

Comedian James Redmond who is recognisable for roles in Hollyoaks, Casualty and appearances on numerous panel shows will use his dry, slick, deconstructed stand-up to spice up The Hob’s monthly comedy quiz. Tickets £2. Go to thehobforesthill.co.uk.

Joke at the Oak at The Royal Oak, Clapham High Street on Thursday, May 16 

It is worth heading across town to see hugely popular multi-award winning improvising hip hop comedians Abandoman top the bill at this Edinburgh preview show. Paddy Lennox, Annabel O’Connell and MC Sion James complete the bill. Tickets £9, free lollipops. Go to theroyaloakclapham.com.

News Shopper:

Puppetry of the Penis at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, on Saturday, May 18  Strictly for adults only - and not easily offended ones at that - this is unforgettable physical comedy. Tickets £20.50. Go to orchardtheatre.co.uk.

News Shopper:

Up The Creek, Greenwich on Friday, May 31

The inventive Adam Bloom shares the mic with Al Barrie and another act to be confirmed while the MC is Rich Wilson. Tickets £12 on the door, £11 in advance. Go to up-the-creek.com.

Robin Ince at Crown Comedy Club, The Crown, Blackheath on Wednesday, June 12

Catch the award winner, Ricky Gervais’ live show support and co-host of BBC Radio’s The Infinite Monkey Cage alongside Brian Cox, as he warms up for the Edinburgh Festival. Also on the bill, sketch trio Jigsaw. Tickets £7 on the door, £6 in advance, £5 NUS. Go to crowncomedy.co.uk.