Stephen Merchant may be an "award-winning writer and graduate of the University of Warwick" (in the words of his mate Gervais) but, although he's dabbled, he's never been most known for his stand-up. That might all be about to change.

Merchant, one half of the team behind such TV comedy hits as The Office and Extras, has now decided to hit the stage solo. The good news is that Stephen Merchant Live: Hello Ladies, his first ever tour, is stopping off in Ireland. You can see him perform at Vicar Street on November 22-23.

Intelligent, witty and self-deprecating, Merchant is sure to put on a good show. Tickets are €33.60 and go on sale Tuesday May 23 at 9am through Ticketmaster and other usual outlets and on [link]www.ticketmaster.ie[/link].