Crisis at Christmas: Paul Weller, Graham Coxon, Tim Minchin and more prepare to Stand Up and Rock for charity gig

Crisis

It's never a good time for a crisis. And, although it is a well-worn cliché that Christmas can be a 'very difficult time of year' for some, there's no denying that the UK's dark, freezing, unforgiving streets and the excesses of Yuletide materialism make for an uneasy juxtaposition.

Some are able to look away. Many more like to look on, wearing their Concerned Face. A handful of others, like the homeless charity Crisis and its supporters, actually do something incredibly valuable to help those facing long, frozen nights on bleak streets. And once a year they do it with the help of some of the UK's best musical and comic talent.

Leading the line at the Hammersmith Apollo on Tuesday 20th December will be Paul Weller with a full live set of new and old material, from his days with The Jam and Style Council to his latest record, the 2010 Mercury prize-nominated 'Wake Up the Nation'. Musical support (both for Weller and Crisis), comes from ex/current Blur man Graham Coxon, Aussie comedian and songwriter Tim Minchin and The Choir with no Name, which is comprised largely of homeless people.

As the event sub-title 'Stand Up and Rock' suggests, the music will be accompanied by stand-up comedy and is compered by the Geordie absurdist Ross Noble. Noble is joined by Jo Brand and the all-rounder Tim Minchin. Weller is not known for his raucous humour so don't expect too many mother-in-law jokes from the Modfather.

We will have tickets for this one-off gig with a heart when they go on sale at 10AM on Friday 4th November, priced from £38.50 for standing tickets to £75 for the best seats.

Stewart Darkin