Pub Landlord to play for the troops

Pub Landlord Al Murray is taking part in a high-profile show to boost the morale of troops fighting in Iraq.

The variety concert will also feature Claire Sweeney, dubbed the forces' sweetheart, and actors Tom Conti and Joely Richardson.

Pop Idol contestants, Coronation Street and EastEnders stars and Su Pollard will also be in the line-up.

The show will be performed to a celebrity audience a London Thai restaurant on Sunday, and beamed to British troops by satellite. It will also be recorded on DVD to be sent to active units.

Just A Minute host Nicholas Parsons, and stand-ups Paul Tonkinson and Mickey Hutton will also take part in the concert, organised for the Ministry of Defence and Combined Services Entertainment.

Producer James Black said: "Everyone wanted to help out. There is a strong feeling that we now must show our support regardless of political differences because they are our troops out there fighting.".

The show will be seen by up to 200,000 service personnel around the world.

Published: 27 Mar 2003