Russell Brand. Photo / AP
Russell Brand, arguably the biggest new comedy star to emerge in the 21st century, is heading to Auckland for one New Zealand appearance.
The often-controversial multimedia figure is bringing his stand-up show to Vector Arena on Wednesday, November 28.
In Britain, Brand's parallel careers in stand-up, radio and television made
him a national star in the 2000s. He went global late in the decade as Hollywood took to his off-beat charms and cast him in movies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him To The Greek, Arthur and, most recently, Rock of Ages.
The heroin, alcohol and sex addictions of his earlier years have all fuelled Brand's comedy and his writings - he's penned three memoirs, starting with 2007's My Booky Wook.
He's also become a tabloid staple on the both sides of the Atlantic, most recently for his short-lived marriage to pop star Katy Perry and his reported fling with Spice Girl Geri Halliwell after both performed at the London Olympics closing ceremony.
