It’s not often it’s acceptable to laugh about disability, but comedian John Williams is setting out to do just that next month, when he hosts a comedy gala in Kingston for charity.

Williams will compere The Express Comedy Gala at the Rose Theatre on Thursday, June 18, in aid of Tolworth- based, non-profit company Express CIC.

Attempting to dispel misconceptions about disability, the night will feature stand up slots from blind comedian Chris McCausland, Elis James, from Russell Howard’s Good News and Don Biswas, who has Asperger Syndrome.

All proceeds of the event will be going to Express CIC, which supports young people with autism.

Williams says: “I’d like the show to be a normal comedy night, sending a positive message about disability. We’re embracing that disability can be funny.”

Williams is perhaps best known for his one man comedy show My Son’s Not Rainman, which tells the story of him and his autistic son. The show has proved a big hit, much to his surprise.

“I was wary of the comedy angle and scared that people would think I was making fun of autism,” he says. “However, I was blown away by its success.”

In 2013 Williams was asked to be patron of Express CIC, by founders Annette Williams and Tracey Gaggiotti.

“They turned up to one of the first shows I did and kept badgering me,” he said. “They've really struggled and fought to get where they are now.

“I live in a different borough, but if I had something like Express CIC on my doorstep, it would have been brilliant for me and my son.

“Not enough is done [by local councils].

That’s why mostly-self-funded organisations like Express are so important, as they can reach areas where the council can’t.”

As well as stand up, Williams has written for the BBC and has appeared on Radio 4’s Today programme. He also has a book coming out in September, My Son’s Not Rainman, published by Michael O’Mara Books, with a percentage of profits going to Express CIC.

Express Comedy Gala, Rose Theatre, High Street, Kingston, Thursday, June 18, 8pm, £10; for more details visit rosetheatrekingston.org l