Driving Miss Smith

When comedian and broadcaster Linda Smith died in 2006 it left those who loved her devastated. What better way, one year on, to celebrate her than to have a show totally dedicated to who she was.

Driving Miss Smith, A Memoir of Linda Smith is a ten-week national tour marking Linda's outstanding contribution to the world of comedy and coincides with the annual Love Women campaign this March to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and raise funds for crucial clinical research.

Linda Smith established herself as one of the funniest and best-loved comedians on BBC Radio 4, but she was also a famous face on TV. The tour features carefully selected cuts of her comedy in audio and visual clips from shows such as News Quiz, Just A Minute, I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, A Brief History of Time Wasting, Have I Got News For You and Room 101.

The stage show is directed and narrated by two of Linda's closest theatrical friends from her days in Sheffield, Kate Rutter and Mike McCarthy, with Warren Lakin in a supporting role. Actors, musicians and comedians take audiences on a beautifully crafted journey through Linda's life story in an adaptation of her biography, Driving Miss Smith, written by her partner of 23 years, Warren Lakin. The book is a perfect accompaniment to I Think the Nurses are Stealing my Clothes, the hilarious anthology of her best comedy.

Musical contributions will come from such friends as singer-songwriters Barb Jungr, Carol Grimes and Sandi Russell with guest spots from TV and stage actors, including Gwyneth Strong - Cassandra from Only Fools and Horses. All are ambassadors for Ovarian Cancer Action.

Driving Miss Smith will be staged on Thurs 6 March - 10 May. (see listings for details). Info: www.lindasmithcomedy.co.uk

Julian Fox - You've Got To Love Dancing To Stick To It

In this day and age, comedy is about quirkiness and an edgy demeanour. Julian Fox certainly has these characteristics in spades. With his signature funky style, Fox presents a charming show of storytelling, comedy, multimedia, electro-pop songs and characteristic musings.

For his forthcoming show, which is entitled, 'You've Got To Love Dancing To Stick To It', he transforms the stage into an urban beach as he fondly relives a summer spent in Brockwell Lido. This warm, funny and endearing celebration of London's enviable outdoor pools coincides with their seasonal re-opening and a campaign to stop them from closing forever.

Julian Fox is renowned for his gentle and inquisitive wonder at surprisingly everyday phenomena. His joyous take on the lido follows shows focusing on Gatwick Airport, London architecture and coffee shop chains.

He created and performed two series for BBC Radio 4 and his previous theatre experiences include 'Rebranding Mr God', 'Goodbye Seattle Coffee Company' and 'New Spaces for Role Models'.

This will be a riveting experience for lovers of quirky comedy.

Julian Fox will be performing on 23 - 26 April and 1- 3 May at The Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE. 8pm. Adm: £12/£10. Info: 0870 429 6883.

By Diriye Osman

Now - 8 Jun
COMEDY NIGHTS
Following the success of last season's new Sunday comedy nights, one of the UK's most uncompromising and innovative stand-ups, Richard Herring hosts four evenings of explosive laughter featuring some of the very best comedy talents including If.com Best Newcomer Josie Long and ex-skinhead and Perrier award-winner Wil Hodgson. Venue: Lyric Theatre, King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 OQL (travel-tube: Hammersmith). Info: 08700 500 511.

Thurs 1 May
DRIVING MISS SMITH
Tribute to broadcaster and comedian Linda Smith to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer and to raise funds for crucial clinical research into the disease. Musical guest Barb Jungr. Venue: The Picture House, New Road, Hebden Bridge. 8pm. Adm: £12- £14. Info: 01422 842684.

Fri 2 May
THE TOP TEN STAND-UPS IN THE WORLD EVER
Stewart Lee presents his five ideal stand-up gigs, in a residency over a month of Fridays.
With Harry Hill, Boothby Graffoe. Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 7.30pm. Adm: £17.50. Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Fri 2 May
COMEDY SUMMER SERIES
Upfront Comedy kicks off the season with sisters who are doing it for themselves. Bursting onto the stage is Chicago bad girl Aarona who makes her UK debut alongside the moody Ava Vidal (Channel 4's Kings of Comedy), Followed by chirpy award-winning newcomer Andi Osho and Brixton girl Janet Williams. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7pm. Adm: £12, conc £10, £15 on door. Info: 0121 333 2400.

Sat 3 May
HOW TO GET ALMOST ANYONE TO SLEEP WITH YOU
Comedian Deborah Frances-White has advice for everyone in this funny part stand-up/part self-help show. It'll leave couples feeling desired and those who are single feeling like the sexiest person in the bar. Venue: Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG. 7.45pm. Adm: £14.50. Info: 0208 688 9291.

Sat 3 May
ANNETTE FAGON
Fresh from interrogating an animated dog in the Churchill Insurance commercials Leicester's comedy hope Annette Fagon (right) hosts an all female bill. The international bill features varied humour ranging from the smart alice wit of Kerry Godliman (Channel 4's Spoons; left ), visiting US comedienne Aarona making her London debut and Ava Vidal from Channel 4's Kings of Comedy. Venue: Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, north London. 7.30pm. Info: 0208 365 5450.

Sat 3 May
DRIVING MISS SMITH
Tribute to broadcaster and comedian Linda Smith to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer and to raise funds for crucial clinical research into the disease. Musical guest Barb Jungr. Venue: The Library Theatre, Central Library, St. Peter's Square, Manchester. 8pm. Adm: £15. Info: 0161 236 7110.

Sat 3 - 4 May
JIMMY CARR
Hot on the heels of releasing his third DVD (Comedian: out now), British Comedy Award winner Carr records his fourth DVD at the Bloomsbury, presenting material from his current sell-out national tour, Repeat Offender. Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 7pm & 9.30pm. Adm: £15. Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Tues 6 May
COCKADOODLE 2
Best of the crop...a fabulously boisterous kiwi with a definite future. With Broderick Chow, Pat Burtscher, Darshan Shangrajka and Keith Platt. Compered by Karen O Novak. Venue: The Comedy Club, The Tavern Studio, 125 Kilburn High Road NW6 6JH. 8pm. Adm: £5. Info: www.cocktavern.com

Wed 7 May
DRIED & ROASTED AT THE GLITCH & TURN
A brilliant piece of social commentary, this new site-specific comedy, by Paul McNeilly, beckons you down to meet a bevy of punters for a double measure of booze, beasts and bullshit. Master of Ceremonies, Mr Damien Gnosh will take you on an intimate tour of your very own local.     Venue: The Marie Lloyd, 24 Chart Street, Hoxton, London N1 6BD. 7.30pm. Adm: Pay what you want. Info: 0207 251 0178.

Thurs 8 May
DRIVING MISS SMITH
Tribute to broadcaster and comedian Linda Smith to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer and to raise funds for crucial clinical research into the disease. Musical guest Carol Grimes. Venue: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. 7.30pm. Adm: £12- £13.50. Info: 01628 788997.

Fri May 9
DRIVING MISS SMITH
Tribute to broadcaster and comedian Linda Smith to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer and to raise funds for crucial clinical research into the disease. Musical guest Carol Grimes. Venue: Sallis Benney Theatre, University of Brighton, Grand Parade, Brighton. 6.30pm & 9.30pm. Adm: £12. Info: 01273 709 709.

Fri 9 May
THE TOP TEN STAND-UPS IN THE WORLD EVER
Stewart Lee presents his five ideal stand-up gigs, in a residency over a month of Fridays.
With Kevin McAleer, Will Adamsdale (in Jackson's Way). Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 7.30pm. Adm: £17.50. Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Sat 10 May
DRIVING MISS SMITH
Tribute to broadcaster and comedian Linda Smith to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer and to raise funds for crucial clinical research into the disease. Musical guest Carol Grimes. Venue: Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent, Canterbury. 7.45pm. Adm: £13. Info: 01227 769075.

Sat 10, 11 & 14 May
TIM VINE: PUNSLINGER
Vine is riding in on a sand storm of laughter. All puns blazing. Tell your kinsfolk. You’re about to be captured by a posse of jokes. The star of BBC1 ‘Not Going Out’ comes back to what he does cotton pickin’ best. Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 8pm. Adm: £17.50. Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Sun 11 May
ROYAL NIGHT IN
The Majestic Mix with Patrick Moynahan. Part variety, part cabaret, part game show, The Majestic Mix is a whole lot of fun! Join Master Comedian Patrick Monahan for a show full of entertainment, games and surprises. Venue:  Theatre Royal Bar, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN(travel - Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Silverlink, DLR).  Adm: Free. Info: 0208 279 1160.

Mon 12 May
CLAIRE STROUD
With Mike Belgrave with compere Jim Grant. Venue:  Theatre Royal Bar, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN(travel - Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Silverlink, DLR).  Adm: Free. Info: 0208 279 1160.

Thurs 15 May
LAUGHING SAMOANS: CRACK ME OFF
The Laughing Samoans are the Pacific’s favorite comedy duo – performing to packed audiences throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific and the United States. Hailed as the undisputed kings of Samoan stand-up comedy, Eteuati Ete and Tofiga Fepulea’i bring their unique style of comedy to London for the first time. Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 8pm. Adm: £12, conc £10. Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Fri 16 May
THE TOP TEN STAND-UPS IN THE WORLD EVER
Stewart Lee presents his five ideal stand-up gigs, in a residency over a month of Fridays. With John Hegley, Stephen Carlin. Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 7.30pm. Adm: £17.50. Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Mon 19 May
ROBERT WHITE
With compere Lateef Lovejoy. . Venue: Theatre Royal Bar, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN(travel - Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Silverlink, DLR). Adm: Free. Info: 0208 279 1160.

Fri 23 May
THE TOP TEN STAND-UPS IN THE WORLD EVER
Stewart Lee presents his five ideal stand-up gigs, in a residency over a month of Fridays. With Greg Fleet, Josie Long. Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 7.30pm. Adm: £17.50. Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Fri 23 May
GINA YASHERE
Expect Gina to her all her best bits in this limited-edition show full of inspired jokes, infectious wit and razor-sharp observation. Venue: Concert Hall, Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG. 8pm. Adm: £17.50 - £1950. Info: 0208 688 9291.

Sun 25 May
COMEDY EXTRA WITH SHAZIA MIRZA
Internationally acclaimed comedienne Shazia Mirza is sure to keep you laughing with this one hour special performance. Venue: Theatre Royal Bar, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN(travel - Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Silverlink, DLR).  8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 279 1160.

Mon 26 May
MONDAY NIGHT COMEDY NIGHT
Acts TBC. Free stand-up Comedy Nights. There's food (not free), there's drink (no, you've got to pay for that too) and if you get there early enough, there may even be a seat. Venue: Theatre Royal Bar, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN(travel - Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Silverlink, DLR).  8pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 279 1160.

Fri 30 May
JENNY ÉCLAIR:  Because I Forgot To Get A Pension
After six years of writing books (OK one book), hosting radio shows, doing plays and hanging out with the ‘Grumpy posse’, Jenny Éclair returns with a brand new stand-up show. Venue: The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (getting there: tube - Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). Info: 0207 388 8822/ www.thebloomsbury.com

Sat 31 May
COMEDY SHOP IN TOUR
JO Enwright is a gifted caricaturist bringing alive everyone from her Irish mother to an eight-year old Scouser. Brenden Riley is a typical Liverpudlian; firect, funny and brash. Whilst Phil Walker is a comedian for all occasions and Manuel Martinez, Cuba's second biggest export.Venue: Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG. 7.45pm. Adm: £13.50. Info: 0208 688 9291.

Sat 31 May
GINA YASHERE
Gina is on a special tour doing all her best bits, new and old, in this gold-plated, limited-edition show. One of the best comics in the land'. Venue: Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH (travel - tube: Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street). 7.30pm. Adm: £16.50. Info: 0207 388 8822 / www.thebloomsbury.com

SIT DOWN SUNDAYS
A monthly showcase of the very best in new sketch and character comedy. The show will take place on the second Sunday of each month- contact box office for exact dates - and promises to serve up some of the brightest new comedy talents. Venue: Landor Theatre, 70 Landor Road, Clapham, London SW9 9PH (travel: Clapham North (Northern Line). 8pm. Adm: £5. Info: 020 7737 7276 / www.landortheatre.co.uk

COMEDY LOUNGE
Last Sunday of ever y month. A monthly showcase hosted by top comedian Quincy. Anette Fagon, Felix Dexter, Richard Blackword, Curtis Walker, Adam Bloom, are some of the regular artist that will be performing for the next couple of months. Venue: Latin Quarter, The Broadway, Stratford, London E15. 7pm. Adm: £5. Info: 07961 532 445.

YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH
Comedy Jam last Saturday of the month. With top line-up comedians, including Tojo, Slim Kwaku and more. Venue: Apt Bar 10 – 15 Queens Street, London EC4. Info: 07951 206 949.

CHOICE FM COMEDY CLUB
Choice FM presents a new mid-week (Tues) comedy club, featuring the likes of Slim, Richard Blackwood, Gavin and Wayne ‘dibbi’ Robbins. Venue: Motion Bar, Hungerford House, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N. 7pm – 1am. Adm: Free b4 8pm, then £6 after. Info: 0207 054 8033.

COMEDY NIGHT AT THEATRE ROYAL
Top comedian Quincy comperes this weekly comedy jam with a line-up that includes Lee Clyde West, Robin Cousins and Luke Toulson. Venue: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15. 8pm. Info: 0208 279 1161.

Every Wed
BRIXTONS BEST COMEDY NIGHT OUT.
Laugh until you drop. Venue: The Babalou Bug Bar [Opposite The Fridge] The Crypt, St. Matthews Church, London SW2 1JF. 7.30pm. Show 8.30pm. Adm: £6, conc £5. Info: 07946 526 514.