Richard Dawkins on a comedy bill

The evolutionary scientist – and bete noir of the creationist movement – is to appear at the Eight Lessons And Carols For Godless People show organised by stand-up Robin Ince at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre in December.

Fellow atheist Ince said he set up the night after a televised run-in with Christian fundamentalists who falsely claimed he wanted to abolish Christmas. He said he wanted to prove that he does enjoy ‘this season of laziness, alcoholism and regret’.

He added: ‘It should be a grand and celebratory event, predominantly celebrating science, discovery, Darwin and all things rational - with maybe a hint of poo-pooing crazed fundamentalists.

‘If you are a crazed fundamentalist, then please come and hold a placard up outside and shout like a halfwit.’

Dawkins is not the only scientist on the bill, as science writer Simon Singh is due to talk about the birth of the universe, and The Guardian’s Bad Science columnist Ben Goldacre will talk of alternative medicine and charlatans.

They will be appearing alongside stand-ups including Josie Long, Richard Herring, Natalie Haynes and Stewart Lee.

Tickets for the December 18 gig will go on sale tomorrow (Monday), after an identical show on the following night sold out.

Published: 28 Sep 2008