Brace yourself London. It is good to see that after an extended period away from the capital's live circuit - mostly spent filming the St Trinians movie rather than cutting a swathe through the women of olde London towne as per usual – Russell Brand is returning to the stage to appear in a benefit gig at the Hammersmith Apollo on Sunday 23 September, alongside the likes of Mark Thomas, Stewart Lee and Simon Amstell.

There are benefits and fundraisers on an almost weekly basis these days. This one is to raise money to support a legal challenge to the Serious Fraud Office to reopen investigation into the allegations of bribery by BAE Systems in its dealings with Saudi Arabia. Hardly the sexiest of subjects but maybe one worth supporting.

Benefits are an odd thing though. Whether it is Duran Duran at Live Earth or a comedian at the Apollo, is it just me that thinks that they are doing it as much for their own careers as the cause? Yes, I know you are all throwing things at your screen and calling me a cynical old hack, but stand-ups love nothing more than a bit of publicity and the sound of their own voice and they often make so much money elsewhere what does it matter if they earn nothing from this gig?

Anyway, I'm not knocking anyone in particular here, just getting something off my chest. I'm sure they all believe in this issue and you should all support it too. If nothing else it should be a fun night out. In fact, strange as it may seem, Russell Brand has a track record when it comes to political dissent. He was arrested a few years ago for taking his clothes off at an anti-capitalist rally in London. I was hoping the footage was on youtube but I can't find it, so you'll just have to imagine Brand's ballbag swaying in the breeze as he is escorted away by a couple of coppers. The Swines!