"Katanga, my friends" - those early immortal words from Dudley's famous Jamaican son graced our screens and stages some thirty-odd years ago. Little did we know that Lenny Henry would forge a considerable and long-lasting career since the days of New Faces and Tiswas! He has introduced us to hilarious characters such as 'one-man sex-machine' Theophilus P.Wildebeeste and Delbert Wilkins, presented kids programmes and appeared in Shakespeare's 'Othello' - now he is back as host of Rock With Laughter, a traditional Christmas show staged in Birmingham at the city's LG Arena.

This year's bash runs for three days from 10th - 12th December and features a heady mixture of music and comedy. Music-stars include soul-queen Beverley Knight, Bjorn Again , Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds and Slade (well, it IS Christmas). Comedians include Ed Byrne, Jo Brand and Alan Carr, as well as Lenny himself.

Tickets are available now, priced between £25.30 and £36.75 depending on seating.

In addition to the Festive knees-up, Henry has also announced the first of a batch of 2011 dates starring, well, himself. The first of these are in Oxford, Birmingham, Bristol, Southport and Grimsby and form part of his "CradletTo Rave - A Musical Journey" tour. Tickets cost £29.25, on sale now.