We Are Most Amused - review

A comedy gig that starts with everyone standing for God Save the Queen might seem like a contradiction in terms. But perhaps we shouldn't expect irreverence.

We Are Most Amused, Royal Albert Hall, London, review

The first new Blackadder material in over a decade was the centrepiece of We Are Not Amused, an agreeable evening of comedy at the Royal Albert Hall, writes Michael Deacon.

Watchdogs reject blasphemy complaint

Broadcasting watchdogs have rejected hundreds of complaints that a Rowan Atkinson sketch was blasphemous.

He might not find the arrival of his bus pass terribly funny, but as the Prince of Wales celebrates his 60th birthday, at least he can have a chortle at the stellar comedy line-up amassed here in his honour. The Prince's pulling power has not only lured reclusive comedy greats John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson onto the live stage for this one-off show, but has also enticed the brilliant Robin Williams across the pond to do his first British stand-up gig in over 25 years. And why not - Sir Robin Williams does have a certain ring to it.

He's always loved a good chuckle, has our Charlie - aka HRH The Prince of Wales.

So this comedy spectacular, recorded earlier this week, was the best possible way for the heir to the throne to celebrate his 60th birthday (other than for his mum to shift over and let him run the country for a day, and I was never convinced that was going to happen).

Also designed to help raise awareness of (and money for) The Prince's Trust, it features some all-time comedy greats, a number of whom are stepping onto a British stage (the New Wimbledon Theatre, to be precise) for the first time in yonks.

John Cleese, for example, is our Master of Ceremonies, while those performing stand-up and sketches include Robin Williams, Rowan Atkinson and Joan Rivers.

Williams top turn at Charles show

Robin Williams has made a triumphant return to the British stage for Prince Charles's 60th birthday comedy show.