Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall
The essential concert series – Night 2:
Micky Flanagan hosts:
Scott Bennett
Finlay Christie
Zoe Lyons
Romesh Ranganathan
Katherine Ryan
Jack Skipper
Josh Widdicombe
On Tuesday night (March 25th) the legendary Teenage Cancer Trust comedy night returned, featuring some of Britain’s best comedians, bringing all the laughs to the Royal Albert Hall.
A very special Night of Comedy was hosted by Micky Flanagan, featuring Scott Bennett, Finlay Christie, Zoe Lyons, Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Jack Skipper and Josh Widdicombe. On a hilarious night, topics ranged from PE class to car theft to toenails!
Micky Flanagan, Britain’s best-loved cheeky-chappy comedian, commanded the stage at Royal Albert Hall as the evening’s wonderful host and compere. He opened the set conducting massive cheers from all sides of the Hall, saying: “I could just do this all night.”
He reminded everyone that Teenage Cancer Trust is “such an important cause” before delighting the audience to his rendition of Guys and Dolls and suggesting his own idea for a musical, The Cray Twins, before introducing the first guest act.
“It’s alright, by the way, I’ve not heard of you either.” That joke may not last much longer as Scott Bennett’s star is rising fast with high-profile tour support gigs and appearances on Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He won over the Albert Hall audience with his takes on the challenges of family life, the environment and the cost-of-living crisis, finishing off by saying it was an honour to do the show, before describing a conversation with his mum in which he admitted being nervous about the gig. She told him: “Remember, son, no one’s there to see you.”
South London’s Jack Skipper has recently gone from being a carpet fitter with no qualifications to becoming an internet sensation and full-time comedian…with no qualifications. He brought the house down with stories about his humble beginnings, boasting that he was “the 14th best carpet fitter in the whole Croydon area”.
The much loved Zoe Lyons made her way up from Brighton to the Royal Albert Hall as a special unbilled addition to the lineup, entertaining the audience with her wonderful charm and jokes about her drawstring trousers: “I’m still wearing the drawstrings…who’s got time for zips and buttons…I’m three weeks off from wearing a bin bag.”
Closing the first half of the evening was one of the UK’s favourite comedians, Josh Widdicombe, known not only for his acclaimed stand-up shows but from Channel 4’s The Last Leg, his own sitcom, Josh, and appearances on every panel show going. “I’m going to start by telling you the stupidest thing I ever said,” he began, before launching into a tale of crime-fighting ineptitude. The comedian landed laugh after laugh, finishing the set reminding everyone why they were there: ‘You’ve been a wonderful audience and it’s an incredible cause, so it’s been an honour to play for you.’
The start of the second half featured a set by Aiden Cowie, an inspiring stand-up comedian whom Teenage Cancer Trust supported, and who has been cancer free for seven years. In a short film about his story, he said of taking up comedy: ‘The mentality was: what’s the worst thing that can happen from trying?’ His set had the audience in stitches as he played on the eye he lost and the bizarre reactions from passers by.
Finlay Christie was up next, revelling in his role of the young person on the bill. The differences between perceptions of boys and men, and young and old were explored before turning to his, apparently, “Finnish looks” and an exploration of racism that had the audience on the edge of their seats. ‘This has been wicked man you guys are a great crowd but you’ll get better,’ he said. “You’ll keep going to shows as a group – you’ll improve, I’ll improve.”
Just days after revealing her own cancer diagnosis on her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, award-winning comedian Katherine Ryan shone on stage, especially in a fabulous sparkled gown: “I dressed up because I respect you.” Definitely a fan favourite, she made a lasting impression with her hysterical set on the joys and trials of being a wife and mother: “Having a teenage daughter is like giving birth to your high school bully.”
The last full set of the night came from Romesh Ranganathan who has grown into a television favourite for all the family and a national treasure. “F***ing long night,” he said. “I’ve been waiting the whole night watching these other pr*cks…It’s a charity gig so I’m not going to be doing my best s**t. If you want that you need to come to the tour. These are some half-arsed ideas I haven’t really finished.”
It clearly wasn’t true, as Romesh had the whole crowd in fits of laughter for his entire set. He emphasised before he closed his commitment to the incredible charity: “I just wanted to let you know I am running the London marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust. These other people have given up 12 and a half minutes – and it’s an honour to play this venue. I’ve got some skin in the game.”
- This year’s series runs from March 24th to 30th, including The Who; The Corrs; James Arthur; a special night by Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe; and Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols:
- Monday, March 24: Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols plus special guests Kid Kapichi and The Molotovs
- Tuesday, March 25: A night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan with Scott Bennett, Finlay Christie, Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Jack Skipper + Josh Widdicombe
- Wednesday, March 26: James Arthur plus special guests Venus Grrrls
- Thursday, March 27: The Who plus special guests Level 42
- Friday, March 28: The Corrs plus special guests Dea Matrona
- Saturday, March 29: Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare and Hatis Noit
- Sunday, March 30: The Who plus special guests Level 42
Tickets:
Photos by John Stead
