There were plenty of jokes and toe-tapping tunes as the worlds of comedy and pop music came together for the annual Rock With Laughter variety show in Birmingham.

The 14,000 strong audience at the LG Arena were treated to non-stop gags during the first of two nights of entertainment.

Television presenter Graham Norton, who was the event’s first non-Midland host, introduced all the acts and was dressed for the occasion in a shiny black and gold suit.

“Anyone who takes photos of me will just see a big gold blur on stage,” he joked..

• See more pictures from the show in our gallery to your right

On the bill were comedians Sarah Millican, Jimmy Carr and Dara O’Briain while the musicial part of the showcase was provided by 10cc, singer Gabrielle and crooner Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet fame.

Sarah Millican covered an array of subjects from Twitter and excercise Dvds to her love of Twix chocolate bars. Next up was Mock the Week presenter Dara O’Briain who shared his experiences as a stay-at-home father.

First of the musical acts was 10CC who had the crowd dancing along to Dreadlock Holiday changing the last line to ‘I don’t like Birmingham, I love it’.

The second half was briefly interrupted so host Norton could be presented with a British Comedy Award.

Soul Singer Gabriellehad everybody singing and dancing in the aisles as she performed some of her hits including When A Woman Wants Her Man, Rise and Dreams.

Jimmy Carr was the last of the comedians to be under the spotlight and got the biggest applause from the crowd.

Rounding off the night was Marti Pellow whose hits include Lip Service and Wishing I Was Lucky. The second Rock with Laughter show is tonight at the LG Arena.

By Heather Large