WELSH comedian and actor Rob Brydon is the first big name to sign up for Helen and Douglas House’s sixth annual fundraiser.

Childish Things, which raises thousands of pounds for East Oxford hospice, takes place on Saturday, March 20.

And before a single name was confirmed for this year’s event, more than half the tickets had already been sold.

Each year, top comedians sign up to take part in the show free of charge, while the New Theatre, in George Street, also provides the 1,800-seat capacity theatre for nothing.

Lizzie Pickering, who organises the event with Kate Day, said: “Kate and I always dreamed in the early days that people would book tickets for Childish Things not knowing the cast but because they know it’s a good night out.

“And now that is what happens, which is fantastic.”

She added: “It’s quite scary for us – to know, sometimes six months after the last show, that it is selling and we don’t know any names yet, is always frightening.”

Rob Brydon performed in the second Childish Things – but is now a much bigger name, starring in hit BBC television show Gavin and Stacey and selling out the New Theatre in his own right.

Mrs Pickering said: “We are really lucky to have him because normally we don’t know confirmed cast until eight weeks before the show. There are others who we are waiting for so there will be some exciting additions we hope to announce in the next few weeks.”

A capella group Out of the Blue, made up of Oxford students, have also signed up to take part in the fundraiser.

Helen and Douglas House’s Lin Beekar said: “The reputation of the show has grown year on year.

“At last year’s show there was a huge buzz and I heard so many people saying they were definitely going this year as well.”

She said Rob Brydon was a staunch supporter of the charity, and had made a private visit to Helen and Douglas House to meet some of the staff and young people, as well as donating a television.

Childish Things has raised £170,000 for the hospice over the years.

Mrs Pickering said: “It would be lovely to push that over £200,000 this year with another £40,000. The New Theatre are so good to us, giving us profit from ice cream sales, the bar, and many of their staff volunteering their expertise for the night.”

Tickets can be bought from the New Theatre box office, Helen and Douglas House shops or from the ticket website ticketmaster.co.uk