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Comedians. What a generous bunch. Stand-ups often give up their time (for free) to perform spots at benefit gigs across the capital, helping raise funds for needy causes.
Over the next couple of weeks a bunch of charity comedy gigs are taking place, and some big names are on the bills, including Jon Richardson, Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse and Nick Helm. Here's where you can help someone in need just by laughing. Well, er, and buying a ticket. It's your ticket money that really helps, actually. Much more than the laughter. Just to be clear: please help with money, and have a laugh, too. Anyway…
Sam Simmons
Comedy Benefit for the UN Refugee Agency
The Phoenix, W1. Sun Oct 4.
The cause Clue's in the title, really. The UN Refugee Agency, who are doing important things right now.
The line-up 2015's Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award-winners Sam Simmons and Sofie Hagen, plus Richard Herring, Tony Law, Adam Hess and lots more.
Nick Helm© BBC / Ed Moore
Roar with Laughter
Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, Fri Oct 9.
The cause This one's organised by London Zoo, to raise funds for ZSL's campaign to help protect Asiatic lions.
The line-up British Comedy Award-winning BBC Three star Nick Helm's in charge here. Plus there are spots from Marcus Brigstocke, 'News Quiz' host Miles Jupp, grouchy American Rich Hall and more.
Sean Lock© Matt Crockett
Stand Up for the Comedy School
Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, Sun Oct 11.
The cause Raising funds for the Comedy School Charitable Trust which fights knife crime with social programmes to educate and rehabilitate.
The line-up It's a glitzy one. BBC sketch heroes Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, '8 Out of 10 Cats' grump Sean Lock, (Sir) Lenny Henry and pals.
Nick Mohammed
Laugh for Leukaemia
Kings Place, Fri Oct 9.
The cause As the title suggest, this one's for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
The line-up One of the nicest comics in the business, Nick Mohammed, organises this annual fundraiser. He's roped in Daniel Kitson – one of the finest comics working today – to host the show, introducing Mohammed himself, Liam Williams, Mae Martin and more. Er, it's currently sold out, but there might be some returns…?
Aisling Bea© Karla Gowlett
Centrepoint Laughing Point
Palace Theatre, Mon Oct 12.
The cause Homelessness charity Centrepoint benefits from this one.
The line-up An impressive bill here, topped by everyone's favourite nitpicking 'Countdown' ace Jon Richardson. Plus Aisling Bea, Nick Helm and others.
Stewart Lee© Rich Hardcastle
Shake with Laughter
Comedy Store, Mon Oct 19.
The cause This one – organised by cheeky guitar-wielding comic Rob Deering – is raising money for Parkinson's UK.
The line-up Iconoclastic stand-up Stewart Lee headlines here, with support from Foster's Award nominee Nish Kumar, Radio X DJ Elis James and lots more.
Find more comedy shows in London this week