WITH more than 50 years in showbusiness, Nicholas Parsons has many tales to tell in his one-man show.

A Life in Comedy comes to The Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Thursday, June 9, at 7.45pm.

The show demonstrates his unique ability as a solo performer and raconteur, telling of his experiences working in what he calls "an unpredictable and always fascinating profession".

His ability to laugh at himself and see the humour in life builds to anecdotes from his work in so many branches of the entertainment industry in an evening of revelation.

Nicholas began his theatrical career doing impressions and working in small repertory theatres in Glasgow but returned to London to become a full-time actor.

He worked in repertory specialising in comedy and character roles, revues in small theatres near the West End, appeared in late night cabaret, and also launched himself as a solo comedian at the Windmill theatre in 1952.

In 1965, he returned to the West End.

He has been the chairman for the radio programme Just a Minute since it began in 1967, taking part in almost 800 recordings of the show and, after 38 years, it still maintains its high standard and huge popularity.

The 1970s brought Nicholas onto our television screens, appearing in many Benny Hill shows and then hosting and compering the game show Sale of the Century for 14 years.

He has made numerous guest appearances on TV, most recently as a presenter on the BBC's Have I Got News For You.

He was made an OBE in 2004.

To buy tickets, priced £12 (£10 discounts), contact The Corn Exchange box office on 01635 522733 or log on to www.cornexchangenew.com