Not Going Out and Outnumbered star Hugh Dennis is hosting a stand-up comedy gala in memory of a teacher at his old school.
Fellow comic Simon Brodkin - also a past pupil at UCS in Hampstead - will perform alongside him at April Foolery - with Jenny Eclair, Steve Punt, Rachel Parris, Alasdair Beckett-King, and Rajiv Karia completing the bill.
All proceeds from the April 15 event in the West End go towards Eastside Educational Trust's Lund Fund which was kickstarted by a £10,000 bequest from former UCS English teacher David Lund.
The Hackney-based charity hopes to raise £1 million to deliver life changing creative opportunities for disadvantaged young people via educational workshops and programmes.
Eastside's CEO and Artistic director Matt Lane was taught by Lund, who dedicated his life to encouraging pupils to reach their creative potential through his passion for literature, comedy and jazz.
He said: "I am so excited that April Foolery is coming back to the West End for a second year. 2024 is particularly special to Eastside as it is our 30th anniversary of serving children and young people across the country through our arts and creativity programmes.
"April Foolery will be a brilliant occasion to celebrate this milestone with some hilarious performances from outstanding comedians who are all donating their time for free.
"All proceeds go towards our Lund Fund which pays for many of our vital projects which change the lives of so many young people who would not otherwise have the chance.
"If last year's April Foolery is anything to go by you are in for an absolute treat - I think we all deserve a night of laughter and joy to brighten up these times that we are living in."
Dennis who lives in Highgate, and was head boy at UCS in the late 1970s, has hosted the gig for three years running and previously said: "I really believe that exposure to the arts from an early age can be life changing for many young people. It's something that needs to be protected in our education system.
The Taskmaster and Now Show comic added: "It’s also great to honour a former UCS teacher and inspiration to many, David Lund, who did all he could to encourage pupils to reach their creative potential."
Jenny Eclair was the first woman to win the coveted Perrier Award, Rachel Parris is an award-winning comedian best known for her viral satirical segments on The Mash Report and Late Night Mash. Rajiv Karia is an award winning stand-up comedian, and Alasdair Beckett-King is a renowned stand-up comedian and animator with an offbeat style.
April Foolery is on Monday 15th April at the Criterion Theatre. A limited number of tickets are available for a pre-show reception where guests will meet the artists and enjoy bubbly and canapes.
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