Stand-up comedians to perform on Monday night in aid of the homeless helpline

Among those starring at Laughing Point gig in aid of Centrepoint will be Joe Lycett, who was once let off a parking fine after claiming he left his car on the moon, not a taxi rank in York

Joe Lycett (Rex)

Comedians including the man who escaped a parking fine by claiming he left his car on the moon rather than at a taxi rank in York are performing in London's West End on Monday night to raise funds for the Young and Homeless Helpline.

Joe Lycett, whose description of getting out of his parking fine, first aired on the Channel 4 show 8 out 10 Cats Does Countdown, has now been seen by more than a million Youtube viewers, will be one of the stars of Laughing Point comedy night in aid of the homelessness charity Centrepoint.

The show will also feature Dane Baptiste, star of the BBC3 sitcom Sunny D, Elis James, the comic and radio host, and Suzi Ruffell and Tom Allen

Proceeds for Monday night’s show, at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End will go towards the Centrepoint Young and Homeless Helpline, which is being championed by The Independent in its charity appeal.

The nationwide helpline will provide advice and support for 16 to 25-year-olds facing homelessness, and help address a situation where, Centrepoint estimates, up to one in three young people seeking help with homelessness issues are being turned away unaided by English councils.

The appeal has now raised more than £2 million, and the comics hope that by filling the 967-capacity Lyric, they can bring in more vital funds for the helpline.

Lycett, who has also appeared on TV’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Live at the Apollo, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting Centrepoint. I’ve done a number of Laughing Point gigs with them over the years.

“Youth homelessness is a scourge and it’s getting worse.

“It’s so easy just to be born in an unfortunate situation or get yourself caught up in one, and it’s scary how close people can get to homelessness.

“In your mind you think of it as a thing that only happens to a certain kind of person - through Centrepoint you see that it could happen to literally anyone.

“It’s important we stop it when people are young so that it doesn’t become a way of life.”

Richard Utting, Head of Events at Centrepoint, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many thrilling comedians taking to the stage for us, alongside some great names like Joe Lycett and Elis James.

“It’s going to be a great evening of entertainment, which will ensure homeless young people have the support they need to turn their lives around. We expect tickets to go fast, so grab your friends, family and colleagues and join us.”

The annual Laughing Point gig has traditionally attracted some of biggest names on the stand-up circuit. Performers in previous years have included Stewart Lee, Josh Widdicombe, Sara Pascoe, Adam Hills, Jon Culshaw and Daniel Kitson.

The shows also have the tendency to produce the unexpected, a tradition likely to be upheld by this year’s Laughing Point gig: it’s being hosted by a mystery “special guest” comedian.

Tickets are priced between £8.50 and £31.00. The show starts at 7.30 pm on Monday January 23. To buy tickets visit www.nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre/centrepoint_laughing_point or call 0330 333 4812