Big benefit for children's hospital

Channel 4’s star-studded comedy gala is returning to the O2 Arena to raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The line-up confirmed for this year’s event includes Alan Carr, Andi Osho, Dara O Briain, Jack Dee, Jack Whitehall, Jason Byrne, Jason Manford, Jo Brand, John Bishop, Jon Richardson, Jonathan Ross, Kevin Bridges, Lee Evans, Mark Watson, Michael McIntyre, Micky Flanagan, Noel Fielding, Rhod Gilbert, Rich Hall, Sarah Millican, Sean Lock and Shappi Khorsandi

They will be raising funds for new £5million 24-hour operating theatre at the London hospital.

McIntyre and Bishop this week visited a cardiac ward there to see how the money will help cut waiting times.

Bishop said: ‘When you see what a difference it will make, it’s great to think you are making a small contribution. More operations means more children will benefit.’

A similar gig last year raised nearly £1million, enough to open a new anaesthetic room.

McIntyre joked: ‘They will play the comedy gala on loop to send them to sleep.

He added: ‘To be able to create this is amazing and all for a good cause. Bear that in mind when you hear my material! I toured last year but I might have to use old material this time.’

The gig takes place in on May 24, and tickets went on sale at 9am today, priced £60. Click here to buy. It will be shown on Channel 4 at a later date.

C4 commissioning editor Syeda Irtizaali said: ‘The inaugural show last year was a big hit in terms of raising money for this great and important cause and providing a top comedy treat for our viewers. We are extremely proud to be putting on this show again and are hugely grateful to all the comedians and performers who have been generous in giving their time for free and look forward to another night of big laughs.’

Click here to buy the 2010 show on DVD for £4.12.

Published: 10 Mar 2011