National treasure Sir Lenny Henry and much-loved comedian Chris McCausland are set to appear at this year’s Happy Christmas Ipswich extravaganza, with tickets going on sale today.
The comedy and music spectacular, hosted by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) with help from dedicated celebrity patron Griff Rhys Jones, is taking place at The Ipswich Regent on Monday, 30th November.
It will be the seventh edition of the widely acclaimed show, which over the years has raised in the region of £700,000.
Sir Lenny and former Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris will be joined by stand-up comic, presenter and actor Stephen Bailey and impressionist Lewis MacLeod, as well as professional opera group Wild Arts and Bury St Edmunds’ VOCA Community Choir.
As last year, there will also be another performance from families receiving support at The Treehouse – EACH’s hospice in Ipswich – and, with more acts to be confirmed soon, tickets are expected to sell fast, given the popularity of what has become a staple pre-Christmas tradition.
“We’re thrilled and excited to be returning to the Regent for this year’s Happy Christmas Ipswich spectacular,” said EACH Chief Executive Kevin Clements.
“It’s a highlight in our fundraising calendar, and we’re delighted to be able to confirm our first acts.
“Sir Lenny has had an incredible career and is, of course, a fundraising champion, having co-founded Comic Relief with Richard Curtis in 1985.
“He’s bound to be a hit with our audience and the same goes for Chris, who is one of the country’s best-loved comedians.
“Stephen has built a strong following with his sharp wit, storytelling and observations on modern life, while Lewis’ unique brand of satire and impressions are certain to keep the laughs coming.”
Kevin added his thanks to tireless supporter and EACH celebrity patron Griff, who organised his first Happy Christmas Ipswich show in 2019.
“As ever, we’re incredibly grateful to Griff for giving his time, energy and unwavering support to this magical and much-loved fundraiser,” he said.
“His enthusiasm, dedication and genuine passion have been instrumental in its success, inspiring audiences, performers and supporters alike.
“Year after year, he goes above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness for our charity, and his commitment makes a real and lasting difference to the children and families receiving our care and support.”
Last year’s sell-out show, which starred funnyman Tim Vine, TV legend Anneka Rice, impressionist Jan Ravens, comedians Dee Allum, Sophie McCartney and Amy Matthews, West End star Dianne Pilkington and singing powerhouse and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist John Pierce, raised a record-breaking £151,500.
Suffolk talent also took centre stage with dazzling performances from the Royal Hospital School Drummers, Bury St Edmunds-based jazz pianist Oscar Lyons and Ipswich School of Dancing, in addition to an unforgettable performance from a choir comprising children and families from The Treehouse.
To buy tickets for Happy Christmas Ipswich 7, which is being sponsored by Johnston Quarter, head here.
Biographies:
Sir Lenny Henry
Sir Lenny Henry has risen from being a cult star on children’s television to becoming one of Britain’s best-known comedians, as well as a writer, philanthropist and award-winning actor.
He is one of the co-founders of Comic Relief and a strong advocate for diversity. He has established a Centre for Media Diversity at Birmingham City University, written two books on the topic and hosts a podcast. He was awarded a Knighthood in 2015 for services to drama and charity and has written two memoirs with Faber alongside a series of children’s books published by Pan Macmillan.
Sir Lenny loves Jamaican cooking, reading comics and watching great films. He also likes a big mug of tea and a pile of Hobnobs, just in case anyone’s asking.
Chris McCausland
Chris McCausland has spent the past two decades establishing himself as one of the UK’s most popular stand-up comedians, becoming a familiar face across British television.
A firm favourite on flagship comedy shows, Chris has appeared on Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You?, QI, The Last Leg and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. He has made three appearances on Live at the Apollo, including taking on hosting duties in 2021 – a landmark year that also saw his acclaimed debut on the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
Many will know Chris from his 2024 Strictly Come Dancing victory, where he and his partner, Dianne Buswell, won the nation’s hearts with their extraordinary partnership. The two now co-host the Winning Isn’t Everything podcast with Keep It Light Media.
Chris’s television credits also include audience favourites such as Blankety Blank, The Jonathan Ross Show and The Graham Norton Show, along with celebrity editions of The Chase, Pointless and Mastermind – the latter of which he won with his chosen specialist subject, Pearl Jam.
In 2023, Chris fronted his own Channel 4 travel series, Wonders of the World I Can’t See, and also appeared in the channel’s hit entertainment series Scared of the Dark.
His previous stand-up tour, Speak Blinder, was a 140+ date sell-out, culminating in a final performance at the legendary Shepherd’s Bush Empire, which was filmed for broadcast on Channel 4. The stand-up special is also available on Netflix under the title Chris McCausland: Live.
Chris’s most recent tour, ‘YONKS!’, sold over 350,000 tickets nationwide. He filmed the show at the historic Crewe Lyceum Theatre, and made his debut performing there at The London Palladium at the end of his tour in May 2026.
His hugely popular BBC Radio 4 show, You Heard It Here First, has also returned for a third series.
At the end of 2025, Chris’s debut autobiography, Keep Laughing, was published by Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, with the paperback version scheduled for release in January 2027.
In 2026, Chris added another string to his bow by joining Absolute Radio with The Chris McCausland Show, airing every Sunday from 8am–11am. Joined by fellow stand-up comedian and musical comic Jon Long, the weekly show sees Chris share his unique take on the week, celebrate the music he loves and entertain listeners with the brilliantly offbeat observations, warmth and quick-fire storytelling that have made him one of the UK’s best-loved comedy voices.
Chris is blind, having lost his sight gradually due to the genetic condition Retinitis Pigmentosa. He lives in south-west London with his wife and young daughter.
Stephen Bailey
Stephen Bailey is an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and writer. Most recently, he starred in the Russell T Davies Channel 4 series Tip Toe. He also joined the cast of the hit Channel 5 comedy-drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries as a recurring character – the menacing John Marsden.
Stephen’s recent appearances include BBC One’s Blankety Blank and The Celebrity Inner Circle, ITV’s Sorry I Didn’t Know, Channel 5’s Celebrity Puzzling and Sally Lindsay’s Big Christmas Quiz.
Audiences fell in love with his northern charm and warmth on E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip where he made it to the final. Other credits include two appearances on Live at the Apollo (BBC Two) – one as host and one as a guest. He has appeared on shows including Unbreakable (BBC One), Would I Lie To You?, Richard Osman’s House of Games, Pointless Celebrities, Celebrity Bridge of Lies, Celebrity Mastermind (twice) and Celebrity Weakest Link (BBC One), The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Between The Covers and Strictly: It Takes Two (BBC Two), Live from Barry Island (BBC Wales), The Stand Up Sketch Show, Love Island: Aftersun (ITV2), Roast Battle (Comedy Central) and Tipping Point: Lucky Stars (ITV), as well as being a regular on CelebAbility (ITV2).
His debut BBC Radio 4 stand-up special Stephen Bailey: One of Many was named Comedy of The Week and after performing twice on Live at the Comedy Store (Comedy Central), he was commissioned to record his own 30-minute comedy special which aired on the channel in 2019.
As well as being a prominent headliner on the UK comedy circuit, he has also supported the biggest names in stand-up, including Micky Flanagan on his arena tour, Lucy Beaumont, Katherine Ryan, Jenny Eclair, Jason Manford, John Bishop and Sarah Millican.
Stephen’s quick-wit, playful sarcasm and enigmatic charm captivate audiences instantly. He has already made a name for himself hosting Celebs on the Farm (Channel 5), Celebs on the Ranch (MTV) and Takeshi’s Castle (Comedy Central). He was the resident Agony Uncle on Zoe Ball on Saturday/Sunday (ITV) and a series regular on Big Brother’s Bit on the Side (Channel 5).
Lewis MacLeod
Lewis is one of Britain’s most accomplished impressionists and voice performers, having built a career spanning radio, television, animation and video games since the 1990s. He became a familiar voice through programmes such as Dead Ringers, Spitting Image and 2DTV.
Alongside his work in satire, he has enjoyed a successful acting and voiceover career, providing voices for major franchises including Star Wars, Harry Potter and Postman Pat.
A regular contributor to BBC radio and television comedy, including Lewis MacLeod’s Wired News, Lewis has attracted fresh attention for his highly accurate portrayals of public figures, including Donald Trump.
Wild Arts
Wild Arts is a touring opera company renowned for bringing world-class music and theatre to some of the country’s most beautiful and unexpected venues.
Combining outstanding artistic quality with an innovative, accessible approach, the company presents opera and musical performances in historic houses, gardens, churches and outdoor settings, creating memorable experiences that attract both seasoned opera lovers and first-time audiences alike.
VOCA Community Choir
VOCA is a friendly and inclusive community choir based in Bury St Edmunds, bringing together people of all ages and abilities through a shared love of singing.
Meeting regularly at St John’s Church, the choir welcomes members without audition and performs a varied repertoire at concerts and community events throughout the year, playing a valued role in the town’s cultural life.
