JULIAN Clary, the man who did for mincing what Michael Flatley did for Irish dancing, is 50. And he is about to celebrate that distinction with a visit to the Alban Arena next Wednesday evening, October 7. Julian Clary – Lord of The Mince, is what the man

JULIAN Clary, the man who did for mincing what Michael Flatley did for Irish dancing, is 50.

And he is about to celebrate that distinction with a visit to the Alban Arena next Wednesday evening, October 7.

Julian Clary - Lord of The Mince, is what the man himself calls "an intimate evening" and a celebration of his 25 years in the camp spotlight.

Since graduating from Goldsmith College, University of London, in the eighties with a degree in drama, Julian has become one of the country's most recognisable entertainers.

During his 25 years in showbusiness, he has turned his hand to comedy, acting, presenting, writing and even performing as a novice dancer on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing where he reached the final.

He has appeared on TV programmes ranging from Friday Night Live and Sticky Moments to Who Do You Think You Are? His autobiography, A Young Man's Passage, was published in June 2006 and was a Sunday Times bestseller. His first novel, Murder Most Fab, was published the following year.

Julian has just finished dancing with Lilia Kopylova on the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour and his second novel, Devil in Disguise, was published in May.

He comes on stage at 7.30pm and tickets at �17 are available from the box office on 01727 844488.

n Two-time Grammy winners, the Soweto Gospel Choir, arrive at the Arena at 7.30pm next Friday, October 9, as part of their UK tour.

Soweto Gospel Choir in Concert features old favourites such as This Little Light Of Mine and Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) as well as a number of new songs including their own version of the Andrea Crouch classic Oh! It's Jesus.

With a repertoire of world, gospel and spiritual classics sung in English, Zulu, Xhosa, Vena, Afrikaans and Sotho, the 24 singers, drummers and dancers come to the Arena after a busy 12 months which has seen them receive their third Grammy nomination and perform at the inauguration of South Africa's new President.

Tickets are �24 and �19.50, available from the box office.