RIBS are set to be tickled when grumpy American comedian Rich Hall appears at the Artrix on Saturday, November 26 (8pm start).

Hall has carved out a successful career on television and the stand-up circuit as a bright and inventive comedian with an absurd take on life.

He brings his new show to the Artrix, on School Drive, as part of an extensive UK tour.

In recent years Hall has sent up country music as diesel engine voiced miserablist Otis Lee Crenshaw, but he returns to his comedy roots with this tour.

The tour kicks off on November 2 at The Glee Club in Birmingham and culminates in Dublin at the Olympia on December 11.

Irish comedian David O'Doherty, who received great critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe this year with his show Grown Up, will support him.

Bromsgrove comedy lovers can expect a night packed with hard hitting, shoot from the hip, take no prisoners, political commentary, followed by Hall's infamous ad-lib singsongs involving a piano and the audience.

Over the last decade British audiences have taken the grouchy American comedian to heart.

He said: "I'm not brash. I'm apologetic. That's all you have to be to win over a British crowd.

"You don't walk out and say, 'where's Starbucks?

"I learnt from reading Bill Bryson that if you show interest in a place, it will take you to heart.

"Whereas Bill Bryson is affable, I'm cranky, but at least I'm affably cranky."

Hall also identified why he, unlike so many other comedians from across the pond, keeps going from strength to strength.

He said: "British audiences don't go for a really slick stage image.

"At the Montreal Comedy Festival, you see so many highly polished acts, but you guys aren't interested in that sort of thing. Brits want to see the cracks underneath.

"They know when they're being sold a big, slick production number.

"They want you to acknowledge that you're very far from perfect."

Hall has also became one of television's most recognised faces after show stealing appearances on Have I Got News For You, QI, Jack Dee Live at the Apollo, Room 101 and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Tickets for Rich Hall's show cost £12.

Call the Artrix's box office on 01527 577330.