BEN Elton is returning to the south coast with his Get a Grip stand-up tour.

He has been making a welcome comeback after an eight-year absence from the stand-up circuit.

It was as a stand-up comedian that Ben became best known, starting at the London Comedy Store in 1981.

His big break came in 1986 when he began to host Channel Four's cult hit Saturday Live.

In 1985 Ben began his phenomenally successful writing partnership with Richard Curtis.

Together they penned Blackadder 2, Blackadder the Third and Blackadder goes Forth, awarded four BAFTA's and an EMMY.

Ben went on to write and produce The Thin Blue Line, again starring Rowan Atkinson, which achieved record audience figures.

Since then Ben has written best-sellers, written several plays and even musical collaborations.

With his trademark energy and signature delivery, Ben Elton is one of Britain's modern comedy icons.

Don't miss the chance to see this multi-talented comedy guru in this rare appearance in Southampton this summer.

Ben is at The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton on Thursday, June 29.

Tickets, priced £18.50, from the box office on 023 8067 1771.