Big-name comedy benefit

Stewart Lee has organised a benefit night to save a north London jazz club.

The comedian has assembled a line-up including Johnny Vegas, Jenny Eclair and Harry Hill to take part in the gig in aid of the Vortex club, which is near his Stoke Newington home.

The venue is under threat from property developers, so a fund has been set up to secure its future.

Lee's benefit night takes place at the Union Chapel, Islington, on Wednesday April 24.

Others on the bill are Dan Antopolski, Simon Day, John Dowie, Kevin Eldon, John Hegley, Billy Jenkins and Tony Law.

For tickets, priced £12.50 (£10 concs), call 0870 120 1349.

The Red Rose Comedy Club in Finsbury Park is also hosting a benefit next month - this in aid of the men and women of Israel's military who refuse to serve in the occupied territories.

Jeremy Hardy headlines the gig that also features Omid Djalili, Arnold Brown, Andre Vincent, Dave Cohen, Mark Maier and Ivor Dembina as compere.

It takes place on Tuesday April 16, and tickets, priced £10, are available from 020 7281 3051.

Published: 25 Mar 2002