Week of events in London

Rory Bremner, Ian Hislop and Jeremy Hardy are to take part in a week-long event celebrating satire.

Organisers say the time is right to explore this form of comedy, given the furore surrounding the Brass Eye special on paedophilia and the 'war on terror'

The week at south London's Greenwich Theatre kicks off on Monday with a debate on the future of the art featuring Stewart Lee and Not the Nine O'Clock News producer Sean Hardie.

Radio 4 will be recording an episode of Punt and Dennis's The Now Show at the theatre, and Mel and Sue will present their Saturday morning BBC London show from the last day of the event.

Bremner will be performing a live show at the theatre on Tuesday, with former Guardian columnist Hardy there on Friday.

Private Eye editor Hislop will be participating in a public question and answer session at Greenwich Cinema on the Thursday.

Other events include a lecture about libel, a free screening of Brass Eye and Spitting Image shows and an exhibition of Private Eye art .

Hilary Strong, executive director of the theatre said: "We are delighted to be co-ordinating this week of events, with some of the biggest names in satire coming together to celebrate the art of satirical comedy and to defend the human right to freedom of speech. We're expecting a very exciting week for the theatre.

Published: 17 Jan 2002