Harry Hill is one of the stars playing a benefit to raise money for comedian Jim Tavare at the Lyric Theatre on June 12. As previously reported, Tavare was involved in a serious car crash in California in March. He is now recovering but despite having medical insurance still faces substantial bills and may never be able to play the double bass again. The strength of the line-up underlines the support for Tavare from his fellow comics. As well as Harry Hill, the fantastic bill features Stewart Lee, Dara O Briain, Alan Davies, Omid Djalili, Milton Jones, Hal Cruttenden, Dave Johns, Paul Chowdhry, Zoe Lyons, Jo Brand, Arthur Smith, Gina Yashere and Paul Zerdin. Hill was more than happy to pitch in to help his old friend: “Me and Jim go back a long way. I was his support act a couple of times and have a lot of fond funny memories of terrible gigs in terrible places. He also happens to have one of the only perfect visual routines I know - the Plug Socket Bit."

Buy tickets for the Lyric gig on June 12 here. 

1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)?

I am often heard to say “Dead man Walking"

2. What irritates you?

When people don’t see why something is funny on paper, because I can’t really spell out to them what’s in my head. So I’m just thinking “TRUST ME!!"

3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? 

What ? In life ? I ventured into the deep end at Tooting Bec Lido once.

In my career ? Probably doing my Beds! Beds! Beds! routine to a Xmas party at Battersea Jongleurs. I left with it still ringing in my ears.

4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

I forgot my Big collar on the first night of my Hooves Tour - at Woking. No one noticed.

5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

That I’ve managed to recapture the early joy I had when I started.

Interview continues here.