Comedians Delight Crowds, Support Teenage Cancer Trust Fundraiser

A line-up of leading comedians performed at the Royal Albert Hall to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. The event formed part of a week of concerts curated for the first time by Robert Smith of The Cure.

Smith took over the role from Roger Daltrey, who began the annual series in 2000. The Tuesday comedy show was the second performance in the schedule.

Comedy highlights

The bill included Jack Dee, Dom Joly, Andy Hamilton, Dara O Briain, Athena Kugblenu, Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Stewart Lee and Miles Jupp. Miles Jupp opened the night, and several performers kept the tone light and observational.

Dom Joly appeared in a skit dressed as Robert Smith. Dara O Briain recalled an on-stage mix-up involving requests for a song. Jack Dee joked about not being paid and thanked the audience for their Tuesday turnout.

• Maisie Adam spoke about moving back in with her parents.
• Bridget Christie joked about being caught eating cake from a bin.
• Andy Hamilton made a political quip referencing fuel queues and President Trump.
• Stewart Lee closed the show with material about contemporary music figures and public figures.

The night also screened a short film about Aiden Cowie. He was diagnosed with cancer at 18 and later supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity’s help led him to begin performing stand-up comedy.

Comedians Delight Crowds is a fitting description for the evening, which mixed laughter with charity appeal. The performers urged the crowd to Support Teenage Cancer Trust Fundraiser efforts throughout the week.

Week of concerts and major acts

The concert series opened on Monday with Elbow. Wednesday’s headliner is Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, following sets from electronic artist Craven Faults and singer Annika Kilkenny.

Thursday will mark the 150th show in the series. Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers headline that night, supported by The Joy Formidable.

• Friday: My Bloody Valentine headline, supported by Chvrches.
• Saturday: Garbage headline, with special guests Placebo.
• Sunday: Wolf Alice close the run, joined by Nilufer Yanya.

Robert Smith’s involvement

Robert Smith, aged 66, served as the series’ curator this year. He described his delight at being asked to assemble the line-up and praised the participating acts’ calibre.

Smith did not take the stage at Tuesday’s comedy night. Performers and organisers nevertheless acknowledged his role in putting the event together.

Filmogaz.com covered the performances and programme details. The week continued to blend high-profile music and comedy to raise funds for young people facing cancer.