FROM making generations of comedy fans laugh to exploring the deepest corners of our planet, there is not much that Sir Michael Palin has not done.

In a career which has spanned more than 50 years, Palin has been responsible for ground-breaking comedy, iconic movies, bestselling novels and non-fiction books, and some of the most memorable travelogues ever committed to film.

The globe-trotter will return to the stage with his new show Erebus, Python and Other Stories, which looks at the 19th century ship HMS Erebus.

His latest best-selling book Erebus: The Story of a Ship forms the backbone of the show, but Palin will also enlighten the audience with tales from his life, including how his three favourite subjects at school (geography, history and comedy) have shaped his life, from Monty Python to Ripping Yarns and more.

Being no stranger in front of the camera, Palin explains he will always have a love for the stage.

“It is absolutely my favourite form of performing because you’re right in front of the people you’re talking to,” said the 76-year-old.

“There is no camera in the way and no editor to put it together later.

“It always is what it is. It’s happening there and then in that theatre. It’s never exactly the same two nights running.

“That can depend on the audiences as much as yourself. Sometimes it clicks wonderfully well and smoothly, and others you have to work a bit harder. But it’s the best form of performing there is.”

He added: “When we have done Monty Python tours in front of an audience, they have always been hilarious - sometimes disastrous, sometimes wonderful.

“But the great thing is you have nothing between you and the audience.

“There is no one there to make it better or easier. It’s the ultimate.”

Theatre and the stage has a huge place in the performer's heart, and this time around as well as telling tales of his life there will be an emphasis on travel in the new show.

Palin has been fortunate to travel to the likes of North and South Poles, the Sahara Desert, the Himalayas, Eastern Europe and Brazil.

Reflecting on his travels, he said: “There are two clichés about travel. The first is that absence makes the heart grow fonder and the second is that it broadens the mind.

“They may be clichés, but unfortunately, they are still the best ways of expressing why travel is so important.”

Michael Palin - Erebus, Python and Other Stories comes to The Anvil on June 8.