Teenage Cancer Trust UK continues to deliver a superstar lineup of comedians and musicians.
On Tuesday night (March 25), the legendary Teenage Cancer Trust comedy night returned, featuring some of Britain’s best comedians and bringing all the laughs to the Royal Albert Hall. Micky Flanagan hosted a very special Night of Comedy, featuring Scott Bennett, Finlay Christie, Zoe Lyons, Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Jack Skipper, and the Lat Leg’s Josh Widdicombe.
On a hilarious night, topics ranged from PE class to car theft to toenails (if you know, you know).
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 about being nervous about the gig. She told him, “Remember, son, no one’s there to see you.” Next time, they will be.
South London’s Jack Skipper has recently gone from 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 Britghton to the Royal Albert Hall as a special unbilled addition to the lineup, entertaining the audience with her incredible 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 also for Channel 4 and ABC Australia’s The Last Leg, his 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 passersby.
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 cancer diagnosis on her podcast Telling Everybody Everything, award-winning comedian Katherine Ryan shone on stage, especially in a fabulous sparkly 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 24-30, including The Who, The Corrs, James Arthur, a night of comedy hosted by Micky Flanagan, a special night by Erased Tapes featuring Penguin Cafe, and Frank Carter, Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols. Tickets are on sale now.
Kate Collins, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are delighted that some of the biggest names from across the music, and entertainment industry are performing at this year’s Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Royal Albert Hall. We couldn’t be more grateful for their commitment to raising vital funds for young people with cancer.
“These concerts, brainchild of – and driven by – the legendary Roger Daltrey since 2000, have raised a phenomenal £34 million to fund Teenage Cancer Trust’s work across the UK – making our specialist support possible across the UK so that young people with cancer get the expert, individual care and support they need at this unique and critical stage of their lives.
“These gigs would not exist without Roger, who remains a tireless Honorary Patron for the charity and is unstoppable in his support for young people with cancer.
“Teenage Cancer Trust exists because cancer care wasn’t made for young people. Without us, a young person diagnosed with cancer today would find themselves lumped together with small children or much older adults. It’s only thanks to our supporters that we can continue to be there for every young person who needs us.
“We’re deeply thankful to everyone who is involved in making these concerts possible—from the artists and the teams to the people who buy tickets to the shows.”
Jamie Johnson, Head of Music and Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “I see firsthand the incredible impact the music and entertainment industry can make when it rallies behind a cause. The Royal Albert Hall shows are a cornerstone of our charity’s work, and their success is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of artists, managers, agents, promoters, crew, and our generous audiences.
“To date, these concerts have raised millions to funding specialist care and transform the experience of cancer for young people at a critical time in their lives. But the need has never been greater. The support of the music and entertainment industry remains vital to ensuring we can continue this life-changing work.
The shows are also proudly supported by American Airlines, Metro, Absolute Radio, S.J.M. Concerts, Twickets, and the Royal Albert Hall.
Aldi, which has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust since 2017, and raised over £11 million for the charity to date is the headline sponsor for this year’s Royal Albert Hall series. Domino’s,which has partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust for ten years and has raised £8 million for the charity, is the official sponsor of the Ultimate Backstage Experience.
Royal Albert Hall 2025 Show Dates:
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
Apart from being the founder and creator of POPrepublic.tv, Robert is an entertainment reporter, journalist and on air talent. He studied TV Presenting at NIDA and journalism and marketing at USC. He has hosted red carpets globally, including the MTV Awards, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, TONY Awards and other global events like Mardi Gras and NYC Pride. He was the host and executive producer of POPrepublic TV (a co-production with CBS Interactive) and has appeared on many TV shows, including the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Emmy award-winning episode of Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List and Bravo’s The A-List New York.
