A COMEDIAN best known for co-writing The Vicar of Dibley will be raising money and awareness for the Winchester branch of Parkinson’s UK with a comedy night in Hampshire.

Comedian Paul Mayhew-Archer will be taking to the stage at Thornden Hall, in Chandler’s Ford, on Saturday, September 2 with his show ‘Incurable Optimist’.

Paul’s comedy career as a writer, producer and actor spans four decades and includes shows such as The Vicar of Dibley, Mrs Brown's Boys and the film Esio Trot.

The comedian was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2011, prompting him to turn to comedy once again.

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Hampshire Chronicle: Comedian Paul Mayhew-Archer to perform in Chandler's FordComedian Paul Mayhew-Archer to perform in Chandler's Ford (Image: Carswell Gould)

Since then, his unique perspective on living with Parkinson's has seen him perform at renowned venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and The Comedy Store.

In 2015, Paul was acclaimed for the award-winning BBC documentary Parkinson's - The Funny Side, which earned him the Grierson Award for Best Documentary Presenter.

Three years later, he debuted the ‘Incurable Optimist’ show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, captivating audiences with its message of the therapeutic power of comedy and laughter.

These days Paul cherishes the opportunity to perform. He said: "I've got the chance to travel the country making people laugh and on a bus pass.”

The BBC comedian became patron of the charity Cure Parkinson’s in 2020.

Tickets cost £17.50 and the show starts at 7pm on Saturday, September 2. For more information or to book go to thorndenhall.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873646058 or contact the Thornden Hall Box Office on 023 8024 6555.