A tight 5: August 20

ENGLAND Ashes hero Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff will present this year's Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award, alongside 2014 winner John Kearns. The winners will be announced at lunchtime on Saturday August 29, with the shortlist out on Wednesday August 26.

THE BBC has announced the date for the return of sketch troupe Absolutely. Gordon Kennedy, Morwenna Banks, Pete Baikie, Moray Hunter and John Sparkes will launch their new four-part series on Radio 4 at 7.15pm on Sunday September 6.

SEAN LOCK, Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse are among the comics taking part in a major fundraiser for The Comedy School, the charity which uses comedy educational and rehabilitative tool in settings such as prisons. The gig is at the Hammersmith Apollo on October 11. Tickets.

VOTING has opened for the only comedy awards chosen by comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe. The Barry Award,unconnected to the top prize at the Melbourne comedy festival, was set up by stand-up Barry Ferns who named it after himself. Award for best show, best performer and best person are announced on August 28. There's one vote for every show registered with the Fringe Society. Vote here.

COMEDY performers at the Edinburgh Fringe have beaten a team of agents and promoters in the first talent vs industry cricket match. Alex Horne, who led the comics' team to victor 98 runs to 97, said: 'The best team won while the worst team lost'. Henry Blofeld commentated on the match.

Published: 20 Aug 2015