Photo exhibition of comedy legends at museum site

A photographic exhibition of some of the UK's most well-known comedians, including many from the West Midlands, is opening in Birmingham.

I photograph comedians! is in Gas Hall in the city's Museum and Art Gallery from 18 February to 31 May, and features 80 studio portraits by British photographer Andy Hollingsworth.

Included in the exhibition are photos of Birmingham's Jasper Carrott, Jo Enright, Shazia Mirza, and Joe Lycett, Wellington's Stewart Lee, and Lenny Henry, who is from Dudley.

Also on display will be a tour jacket worn by Henry on his 1984 tour, a signed pair of Rik Mayall's underpants, and Joe Lycett's Late Night Lycett teddy suit. A programme of events exploring comedy and laugher will go alongside the exhibition.

"This retrospective of my work over the last 30 years reflects the changing faces of comedy in the UK and my interaction with them," said Hollingsworth.

"I'm delighted that it's being displayed in Birmingham, a city that has produced and been associated with many notable comedians over the years and a vibrant comedy scene which includes the UK's second longest running comedy festival."

Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, added: "We are particularly delighted that the exhibition celebrates local talent, featuring different generations of comedians from Birmingham and the West Midlands, as well as Joe Lycett's costume and items connected with venues such as Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Odeon and Wolverhampton's Wulfrun and Civic Halls, showcasing the contribution the region makes to popular culture."

The exhibition will be on display at the museum, opening Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 GMT.

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