TWO comedy greats are set to grace the stage in Southampton in the coming week.

One of Britain’s best-known and celebrated comedians, Sir Lenny Henry, is embarking on a new UK tour this autumn to coincide with the publication of his memoirs.

Split across two parts, expect to hear some secret tales and tender stories from his upbringing before he’s interviewed live on stage by close friend, broadcaster and author Jon Canter at the event, tomorrow night.

On Tuesday, it’s the turn of Ben Elton whose new standup show includes Elton’s takes on identity politics, post-truth, and every other cultural phenomenon since he last performed live comedy 15 years ago.

Titled Who Am I, Again?, Sir Lenny Henry’s tour comes shortly after the publication of his memoir of the same name, and will cover similar themes. It will see Henry talk about what life was like growing up, covering topics including puberty, school, friendship, family secrets and racism.

He has been working in comedy since the age of 16 and is known for his work as a writer, radio DJ, TV presenter and as the co-founder of Comic Relief.

In 1985, the first series of The Lenny Henry Show aired on BBC, featuring stand-up and spoofs — the show continued to run periodically for another 19 years.

Ben Elton says he never meant to stay away so long. But his three kids were growing up, he was living mainly in Fremantle, Australia, his wife Sophie’s home town. He had his writing to occupy him: 16 novels now, not to mention three series of Shakespeare sitcom Upstart Crow (plus a stage version, opening in the West End early next year). Which partly explains why he is scared to return to standup.

He has plenty of stage pedigree though. He was one of the most successful live acts in the UK for almost thirty years. He’s also well known for The Young Ones, Blackadder and We Will Rock You.

Tickets for both dates are available from 023 8063 2601 or academymusicgroup.com