First stand-up gig in the States

Ricky Gervais is to perform his first stand-up gig in America this weekend.

He will appear in a Broadway benefit gig on Sunday alongside the likes of Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller and Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat.

The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart will host the Night Of Too Many Stars autism benefit, which will be broadcast live on Comedy Central. Tickets are selling for up to $1,250

Gervais – whose Extras series returns to America’s HBO channel in January - said: ‘I'm very excited and a bit nervous. America got my TV stuff but will they like the stand up?

‘The worst that can happen is I get deported and I'm coming home the next day anyway.’

Other stars performing at New York's Beacon Theatre on Sunday will include Jack Black, Elvis Costello, Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, and Moby.

Published: 9 Oct 2006