VETERAN comedian Jasper Carrott proves stand-up really does rock in his new show this week.

The Brummie funnyman rocketed to fame in the Seventies when his folk music career morphed into comedy.

After novelty record Funky Moped, produced by ELO’s Jeff Lynne, made the Top 10 in 1975, he went on to develop a string of anecdotal sketches for his live act that led to shows Carrott’s Lib and Carrott’s Commercial Breakdown.

Awards have included the BBC’s TV Personality of the Year, a gold medal at the New York TV and Film Awards, Midlander of the Year, his own ‘star’ on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars and the British Comedy Awards’ lifetime achievement award in 2008.

Now he is back with a new show, before introducing his music pals to rock the audience which include Bev Bevan, a founder member of The Move and the Electric Light Orchestra, as well as drumming for heavy metal band Black Sabbath. They’re joined by Geoff Turton, lead singer and guitarist with the Rockin’ Berries, keyboard player and vocalist Abby Brant, The Move’s bassist Phil Tree and guitarist Tony Kelsey, and singer Suzi Woo.

Stand Up And Rock is at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Friday, May 11 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £27.50 from the box office on 01255 686633.