IT would be a brave person indeed who could say what state British politics and the nation will be in by next spring, but a trip to Stratford to see the Pub Landlord might prove to be rather enlightening.

Al Murray, comedian and the nation’s critically acclaimed bar-based-braveheart, will be saying "Let’s Go Backwards Together" at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday May 14, next year.

A spokesman said: "We live in troubling times. Europe. The NHS. Whatever the hell is going on in the Middle East. The gathering storm of fortnightly bin collections? Who knows where it will all end?

"Watch the one man who will answer the call of destiny even though it’s an unlisted number. Watch the one man who will call time on tyranny even though he isn’t quite sure what it means. Watch the one man who isn’t afraid to say no to women ordering anything other than a glass of white wine, or fruit based drink."

The spokesman added: "Al Murray was last seen at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Shakespeare Live! From the RSC, broadcast on BBC2 on Shakespeare’s Birthday to mark the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death.

Al made a memorable appearance as Bottom in a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, alongside Judi Dench as Titania."

Now he's back as the Pub Landlord, with words which may be wisdom to those with a pint or three inside them.

Tickets and further details on, 01789 403493

www.rsc.org.uk/almurray