Laughs at the Lyric

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Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Al Murray head Star Line Up

A one-off night of comedy and music will raise money for the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith this June.

Former Godolphin and Latymer schoolgirl Sophie Ellis-Bextor will sing a selection of her greatest hits. Sophie Ellis-Bextor's mother, Janet Ellis of Blue Peter fame, has long been a supporter of the Lyric. Pop star Sophie recently released her new album Trip the Light Fantastic.

Her debut solo album spawned four hit singles including Murder On the Dancefloor .

As well as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, an array of comedians will have the audience rolling in the aisles.

Fresh from his critically acclaimed new touring show, Menage a Un, one of the UK's most uncompromising and innovative stand-ups, Richard Herring will compere the evening's line-up.

Headlining the gig is multi-award winner Al Murray from TV fame The Harry Hill Show and Pub Landlord. He will be joined by Dead Ringers star Jan Ravens, top comedy veteran Stewart Lee, co-writer and director of Olivier Award winning show Jerry Springer the Opera and various radio shows including On the Hour.

Also on stage will be writer and culture pundit Robin Ince, If.comeddie (previously Perrier) award 2006 nominee Russell Howard and comedy talents Ayesha Hazarika and Alfie Brown.
Mitch Benn, whose BBC radio series include the popular Crimes against Music and the Mitch Benn Music Show will also provide music comedy.

HaHaHammersmith is an annual fundraiser that provides vital support for the Lyric's work on and off stage, in particular its extensive work with young people in the community.

This includes Lyric West, a pioneering programme of year-round opportunities and arts-based activities for young west Londoners, including the recently launched Lyric Young Company (LYC).

May 24, 2007