BEN Elton is returning to stand-up after an eight-year absence with his Get a Grip tour which includes a visit to The Nuffield Theatre Southampton on Thursday.

From left wing alternative comedy to award-winning writer of West End musicals to best-selling novels, Ben Elton is now going back to his roots with his stand-up comedy tour.

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 wrote 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.

With his trademark energy and signature delivery, Ben Elton is one of Britain's modern comedy icons. Don't miss this opportunity to see this multi-talented comedy guru in this rare appearance in Southampton this summer.

Just a few tickets remain at £18.50.

Call the box office on 023 8067 1771.