LEADING stand up comedian Jason Manford is bringing his latest First World Problems tour to St Helens.

The northerner announced this week that the Theatre Royal was among18 new dates added to his circuit.

Manford is no stranger to the town, having attended the book launch of his friend Andy Reid, the triple amputee soldier, at Langtree Park, where he treated the audience to an impromptu stand up routine.

He said: “I have really been enjoying this show. The audiences have been absolutely fantastic and I love nothing more than making them laugh. They have been such great support and I can’t wait to see more of them this autumn.”

A familiar face on TV comedy panel shown including 8 out of 10 cats and QI, the stand up shows have helped establish Manford as one of the country’s favourite funny men.

He has been keeping himself busy since his last tour. After his opera singing turn saw him emerge the winner on ITV’s Born To Shine, he put his new found talent into use by joining Alfie Boe on tour.

This was followed by a well received run in the critically acclaimed hit West End musical Sweeney Todd starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton.

And in April he appeared alongside Shameless star David Thelfall in ITV’s drama based on the life of Tommy Cooper ‘Not Like This, Like That’.

The show sees Jason inviting members of the audience to share their issues, leading to some memorable exchanges.

The Theatre has a series of big dates pencilled in for the autumn, including productions of the musicals Blood Brothers and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Jason Manford is due to appear at St Helens Theatre Royal on Thursday, September 25 at 8pm. Tickets are priced £22.50 and available from the Theatre's box office on 01744 756000 or from the Corporation Street venue on 01744 756000.