MONTY Python star and much-loved television globe-trotter Michael Palin comes to The Anvil on Saturday, 8 June.

In the first part of the show, Palin brings to life the thrilling story of HMS Erebus, the tough little ship that took on the Antarctic and the Arctic in the 1840s, and which is the subject of his latest bestselling book.

His richly-illustrated talk conveys the triumph and tragedy of the ship’s short and doomed life, and what it was about it that made him so keen to tell its story.

In the second half, Michael tells his own life story, including how his three favourite subjects at school (geography, history and comedy) have shaped his life, from Monty Python to Ripping Yarns, and the many television travel series that have taken him all around the world, including the North and South Poles, the Sahara Desert, the Himalayas, Eastern Europe and Brazil.

With previously unseen footage and previously untold stories, Michael shows how comedy and adventure have been natural bedfellows during a rich and diverse career.

Woody Mann brings his show American Roots and Beyond to The Forge on Thursday, 13 June.

Among guitarists and critics, Mann is considered a modern master.

While the blues are his touchstone, he blends a myriad influences with ease and grace.

The first half of the evening will be a screening of his film Harlem Street Singer - The Reverend Gary Davis Story, and the second will be Woody Mann performing a live set.

The Matthew Read Trio performs in The Forge on Saturday, 15 June, bringing together three like-minded approaches for music making, creating an exciting new performance every time they play. Benedict Wood (guitar), Arthur Newell (drums) and Matthew Read (double bass) bring a fresh edge to the world of the guitar trio, drawing influences from the bands of Pat Methany and John Scofield among others.

The husband and wife duo Megson, aka Stu and Debbie Hanna, make a welcome return on Friday, 21 June.

They draw heavily on their Teesside heritage to create a truly brilliant brand of folk music, bringing an infectious mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars.

Four times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and double winners of the Spiral Earth Awards, Megson have gained fame on the British folk scene for their arresting and intelligent songwriting.

For details of all the shows now on sale visit

anvilarts.org.uk

or call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244.