MASTER of irony Stewart Lee will front a star-studded comedy line-up at a gig next week targeting government austerity cuts.

The People’s Assembly Stand Up Against Austerity comedy fundraiser event at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on Monday night follows the grassroots campaign group’s 50,000-strong march last month against crippling ConDem cuts.

Billed alongside Mr Lee are Jo Brand, Marcus Brigstocke, Jason Manford, Mark Steel, Jeremy Hardy, Jen Brister, Robin Ince, Shappi Khorsandi and Francesca Martinez.

Ms Martinez said the impressive line-up was a testament to the bite of the cuts.

“I think the attacks on the NHS, education and welfare are uniting people everywhere against this government’s anti-austerity agenda,” she said.

“I am so excited that such a great line-up of people are lending their backing to this incredibly important movement.

“It will be a huge boost to all the groups who are fighting for a system built around equality, human rights and the environment.”

Over 3,000 people are expected to pack out the venue, which hosts the BBC’s famous Live at the Apollo stand-up shows, from 7pm.

n See www.thepeoples
assembly.org.uk/standup for event and ticket details.