Award-winning Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan makes her Alban Arena debut next Friday, June 5.

Fast becoming a recognisable face on British TV with appearances on such shows as BBC 1’s Live at the Apollo, and Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, she is embarking on her second UK stand-up tour.

She has a lot to talk about in her new show - from society’s fascination with celebrity culture to the Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram and her personal tales about her cheating boyfriend and being a single mother.

The performance begins at 8pm and tickets at £14.50 are available from the box office on 01727 844488 or go to www.alban-arena.co.uk

The comedy continues the following night, Saturday, June 6, when Reginald D Hunter returns to the Arena. with a new show that follows a successful year filming and performing around the world.

The actor turned comedian is controversial but tackles challenging issues head on.

A few tickets remain at £24 and the performance starts at 8pm

* The first of three films being shown at the Arena next week is Suite Francaise which is being screened at 7.30pm next Tuesday, June 2.

Set in 1940s France and based on the international best-selling work of Irène Némirovsky, it follows Lucile Angellier (Michelle Williams) who awaits news from her husband, a prisoner of war, whilst leading a stifled existence with her domineering mother-in-law. (Kristin Scott Thomas)

When Parisian refugees pour into their small town, soon followed by a regiment of German soldiers who take up residence in the villagers’ homes, Lucile’s life is turned upside down.

In The Blood, which was filmed in Dunstable, is being screened at 1.30pm and 7.30pm next Wednesday, June 3.

The death of his safecracking grandfather (Phil Davis) has landed Johnny (Joe Cole) as the only one left alive who can open a safe for a degenerate crew of violent gangsters led by the menacing Jim (Kenny Doughty).

Critically acclaimed film Still Alice, which won an Oscar for Julianne Moore, can be seen at 7.30pm next Thursday, June 4.

Alice is happily married with three grown children when she starts to forget words. As she receives a devastating diagnosis, Alice and her family find their bonds tested.

Tickets for film matinees are £5 and for evenings they are £7 or £5 for concessions