Comedians: From the 1940s to Now at The Lowry

The Lowry is hosting a unique exhibition of over 50 portraits of Britain’s best-loved comedians and entertainers, from the 1940s through to the present day. The exhibition, which is on show from Saturday 29 September until Sunday 13 January 2013, includes intimate photographs of comedic greats such as Frankie Howerd, Jo Brand and Matt Lucas, plus a special video introduction from comedian and television presenter Paul Merton. The collection from the National Portrait Gallery will feature works by celebrated photographers including Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz alongside photography by Lewis Morley, the ‘official’ photographer of the 1960s satire boom. It will also feature a special homage to Salford-born comedian Al Read, whose BBC radio broadcasts in the 1950s attracted over 35 million listeners.

Sat 29 Sep 2012 – Sun 13 Jan 2013, The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, Tel: 0161 876 2057, various times, FREE, www.thelowry.com