Watching politicians shout across the Commons on television is one thing but it isn't often people make time in their social calendar to listen to a politician rant.

But there's something about the charismatic, pipe-puffing Labour Party veteran Tony Benn that pulls in the crowds.

Impassioned, incisive and witty, he was an influential and outspoken left-winger in Parliament for 50 years before retiring to "devote more time to politics" two years ago.

As well as boasting first-hand involvement with some of the most important goings on in the past century, the 78-year-old has lived a rich, intriguing life perfect for anecdotal asides.

He was given a chocolate biscuit by Ramsay MacDonald, sat cross-legged for a chat with Gandhi and suggested repealing every piece of legislation Margaret Thatcher introduced.

He was also recently voted by the readers of Face magazine as the politician they would be most likely to trust.

Despite his retirement, he is still very much involved with events, flying to Baghdad earlier this year to speak to Saddam Hussein with the aim of exploring alternatives to war.

It is this tremendous zest with which Benn still stands by his convictions, along with a wry sense of humour and a wealth of anecdotes that makes him such a pleasure to see.

For tickets, call 01273 709709.