Rob Brydon is to host a fund-raiser for the UK’s biggest festival of screen comedy, Slapstick, at The Hexagon in Reading on Tuesday 7 May.

The line-up will also feature Jo Brand, comedy magician John Archer, Canadian stand-up star Dana Alexander, Rory Bremner, a master at mimicking top politicians with tight and topical wit and fellow impressionist Luke Kempner. 

All profits from the show will go towards meeting the rising costs of staging the annual Slapstick festival of silent and classic screen comedy – the UK’s biggest celebration of vintage film and TV comedies and their stars.  

Slapstick’s director Chris Daniels said: “We’re beyond thrilled to be offering comedy fans the chance to enjoy such a brilliantly talented and funny line-up while also helping to keep an important festival going and growing. And we’re excited to find out which other celebrities will be brought into the mix by the impressions of Rory and Luke and, perhaps also Rob Brydon – no slouch himself at take-offs.”

Speaking in his own voice Rob Brydon added: "I’m delighted to be hosting Slapstick’s comedy fundraiser. It’s a great festival and one I’ve enjoyed attending and taking part in. It’s a very good cause and it’ll be a great and very funny night.”

Tickets are on sale now at £29.50 each including fees and can be booked by calling 0118 960 6060 or by visiting www.readingarts.com/hexagon.  

The next Slapstick festival takes place in January 2020. To keep up with news, see www.slapstick.org.uk; find Slapstick Festival on Facebook or follow @SlapstickFest on Twitter.