Hitting the road with a brand new tour entitled Nidiot is comedian Jon Richardson who will be at the Alban Arena next Thursday, May 8.

The perennial singleton and misanthropist is determined to become a more easygoing person, for the sake of his friends and his future health. But whether or not a leopard can change its spots will be revealed in the show which starts at 7.30pm.

Away from live stand-up, Jon is best known as team captain on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Recent TV credits include Have I Got News For You, Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Jon is also performing a sold out show at The Alban Arena on Tuesday, May 13.

Tickets at £19.50 are available from the box office on 01727 844488 or online at www.alban-arena.co.uk

Rolling Stones tribute band The Counterfeit Stones return to the Arena next Friday, May 9.

Let’s Pretend The Night Together, as the show is called, showcases the biggest Stones hits including I Can’t Get No Satisfaction, Paint It Black, Ruby Tuesday and more.

The gig starts at 8pm and tickets are £20.

n Academy Award winning film, 12 Years a Slave is showing at the Arena from next Tuesday to Thursday evenings, May 6-8, and with a matinee on Wednesday, May 7.

Based on the true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom, it is set in pre-Civil War United States.

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man earning his living as a violinist, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty at the hands of an evil slave owner (Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindness, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive but to retain his dignity.

During the 12th year of his unforgettable journey, Solomon’s meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) changes his life forever.

Tickets for the evening showings at 7.30pm are £7 with concessions £5 and for the matinee at 1.30pm they are £5.