It would take a sceptic to dismiss the controversial comedian, actor, writer and presenter as a mere foolhardy prankster with a chequered past - however, Russell Brand's fans would have none of it.

Formerly the presenter of Big Brother, former addict (of sex, drugs but possibly not rock and roll), raconteur at award-ceremonies, actor, writer (of his autobiographical My Booky Wook), ex-husband of Katy Perry, paparazzi target and, oh yes, stand-up comedian, Brand is a brand. Or so the media might want you to believe.

Brand is also a person with rational thought, intelligent argument and a nifty knack for getting half of the population's backs up or for making it onto the other half's must-see lists. He's obviously doing his job right.

After a string of recent film appearances including the much-maligned Arthur remake and the better Rock of Ages, Russell Brand is preparing to do battle with his public once more - but a good battle. A battle of wit. His recent admirable turns at charitable comedy events, such as last month's massive Channel 4's Comedy Gala and his Give It Up For Comic Relief, have set him in good stead for unleashing his new material.

Entitled Messiah Complex, the new Russell Brand show will begin in the autumn and will include stops in Birmingham (7th October), Manchester, Hammersmith, Portsmouth, Southend, Brighton, Cardiff and more until Dublin and Belfast.

Tickets are on sale now, priced from around £27.50 upwards.

We don't need to tell you just how HUGE Russell Brand is right now (behave, people) so get yourself ready for the weekend on-sale.