A tight 5: March 27

Patrick Kielty is going back on the road for his first stand-up tour in six years. The TV host and Radio 2 presenter has dates in Belfast and Derry lined up for next month, ahead of a mainland tour in October, playing comedy clubs and intimate venues. The tour is titled Help and involves the former psychology graduate attempting to 'write a modern rulebook for love, life and happiness'. So far 19 dates have been announced.

JASON ALEXANDER – whose George Constanza was effectively a channel for Larry David's neuroses – is to take over from the Seinfeld co-creator on Broadway. The actor will take over the lead of David's Fish in the Dark as it extends from June 9 to July 19. David said: 'Finally I can enjoy the show… Not only was I fortunate enough to write for Jason Alexander on Seinfeld, but I also had a ringside seat watching his brilliant, indelible performances. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I heard he was replacing me.' Here is Chortle's review of the show.

TRACEY ULLMAN's mother Doreen has died in an horrific fire in her retirement flat in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. A statement from the family said: 'Tracey and her family are deeply saddened by the death of her mother, Doreen. The family would like to thank everyone for the kind messages they have received and ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.'

MATT BERRY is to make a cameo appearance in US sitcom Community – as a professor of 'grifting'. 'As far as I know, it's just for the one episode,' he told the Radio Times. I was a fan of [series creator] Dan Harmon, and I'd seen a few of the shows, so it was an honour to be asked.'

MORE THAN 1,500 votes have so far been cast for the people's choice place in the semi-final of the Chortle Student Comedy Award. Have your say here. We can also announce Ray Peacock as the host for the May 18 semi-final and his podcast co-star Ed Gamble as the host on May 19. Click the dates to buy tickets.

Published: 27 Mar 2015