McIntyre, Hill, Skinner and more...

Some of the biggest names in British comedy are to stage a benefit for  Heads Together, the mental health campaign spearheaded by Princes William and Harry.

Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr, Harry Hill, Frank Skinner, Russell Kane, Katherine Ryan, Tommy Tiernan are among those taking part in the event, on September 18.

The gig at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London will raise money for YoungMinds, one of eight charity partners of the Heads Together campaign.

Skinner said: ‘Like most people, I like to imagine growing-up as a carefree and wondrous experience. The truth can be a lot more complicated than that. My own youth was blighted by the threat of Napoleonic invasion so I know what I'm talking about.

‘But seriously, I'm proud to be part of this benefit night. Those very real growing pains need to be openly accepted and talked about. Then the carefree wonder will take care of itself.’

YoungMinds chief executive Sarah Brennan said: ‘We are delighted that some of the most famous names in comedy are getting their heads together to shine a light on children and young people’s mental health. 

‘At the moment only one in four children with a mental health problem get the support that they need, and many suffer in silence for years. It’s crucial that we get young people talking about mental health, and also that we make sure the right help is available as soon as problems emerge.’

Tickets go on sale at midday on Wednesday.

Published: 5 Jun 2017