Robin Williams treats comedy fans to surprise stand-up set

Robin Williams returned to the UK stage for the first time in 25 years by treating a crowd of just 100 comedy fans to a surprise stand-up set.

The actor and comedian chose to warm up for major performances in London later this week by playing at a regular comedy night in a student bar in the city.

He drew plenty of laughs from a delighted audience at London School of Economics during his intimate show.

Around 100 people who paid £12 for tickets to The Chuckle Club saw the special guest.

Host Paul Jay was not allowed to reveal that the US comedian would be on the stage but sparked rumours when he told regulars of the LSE’s long-running comedy night there would be a secret, famous star.

In an email sent to his mailing list ahead of last night’s gig, he said: “If you have seen our website, and have seen the pictures and names of all the stars who have appeared at the club in the past 23 years, then this person is more famous than any of them!

“I am praying they are not taken suddenly ill or anything. I still can’t really believe this person will be on our show.”

Mr Jay, who goes under the name of Eugene Cheese for the night, said: “It was the thrill of my life to have Robin Williams.

“He was marvellous – very, very funny. We’ve had virtually all the names The Comedy Store’s had over the years apart from Robin Williams.

“It’s fair to say it was my lifetime ambition to have him and I thought it was never going to happen.”

Mr Jay, 65, said he was approached by a woman who had been to The Chuckle Club who had suggested it as a venue for Williams to try out material before his major charity gigs later this week.

The American star will perform in front of a much larger crowd on Wednesday in a sell-out comedy show celebrating Prince Charles’ 60th birthday.

We Are Not Amused, also starring John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson, at the New Wimbledon Theatre, London, will raise money for The Prince’s Trust.

Williams will then entertain audiences at the Gielgud Theatre on Thursday and Friday with two sell-out nights of his Weapons of Self-Destruction tour which has been a hit in the US – also in aid of The Princes Trust.

Giving the LSE in Houghton Street a sneak preview of his routine, Williams mocked outgoing President Bush with the star declaring: “It’ll be nice to have a President who can actually spell.”

Oscar-winning Williams, who has appeared in numerous films including Good Will Hunting, Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam, said afterwards: “This is a great club. It’s like a classroom with comedy in it.”

Spectator Peter Bowles, 28, from Islington, north London, said: “We knew there were rumours that a big name act was coming on, but to be honest I thought is might be someone like Jonathan Ross – after all he’s got a bit of time on his hands at the moment.

“I just couldn’t believe it when Robin Williams walked on. He’s always been a comedy idol of mine and to see him at such close range was something special.”