Comedy gig for Woman's Hour host Jenni Murray

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The presenter will take on other unlikely broadcasters who are similarly game for a laugh including Radio 3's Tom Service and Radio 2's Tony Blackburn.

Figures from the six main national BBC stations are competing in front of a live audience later this month to find the funniest.

Also taking part in the Stand Up For Comic Relief challenge are Radio 1's Dev, 5 Live's Tony Livesey and 6 Music breakfast presenter Shaun Keaveny.

Murray, 60, who has fronted Woman's Hour since 1987, said she was "terrified" by the prospect of her comedy gig.

She will be tutored for her debut as a funnywoman at London's Comedy Store on February 22 by Mark Steel.

Murray and her fellow performers are being given a fortnight of coaching before playing the club. They have already been given a masterclass by Mark Thomas.

Their progress will be tracked in a three-part Radio 4 series next month in the build-up to this year's Comic Relief festivities. And the winning act - voted by listeners - will be announced on Red Nose Day, March 18.

Their mentors - who include Julian Clary, Sandi Toksvig and Miles Jupp - will help them to develop a three-minute routine.

Blackburn said: "I have a reputation for corny gags but on radio it takes 10 seconds then I put a record on - I don't have to rely on getting a reaction. I'm petrified. Someone said to me 'It's another challenge'. I'm 68, I don't want another challenge - but it's Red Nose Day."

Livesey said: "I only know one joke and that is from the Chuckle Brothers. Still, my humiliation will be for a good cause."

Tickets for the afternoon show will be available from the BBC Audiences website at
www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tickets/.