Carrott's Christmas cracker

Hilarious stand-up comedy, sing-along fun, and generous helpings of Black Country banter were all on the bill last night for thousands of people who packed Birmingham's NEC Arena.

Audiences were transported back to the days of the old fashioned variety performance, as Jasper Carrott's Christmas Rock With Laughter show hit the stage.

The comic was the compere of the star-studded show which saw a gathering of old and new talent combine for an evening of heart-warming festive fun.

Lenny Henry, Jimmy Carr, Jethro, Suzi Quatro, Journey South, Bjorn Again, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Roy Wood's Rock 'n' Roll band were all guests.

Jasper performed a plethora of new material and fans cracked up at Dudley legend Lenny Henry's performance.

And a surprise appearance from an X Factor finalist went down a storm.

See the Express & Star for a review of the show