Comedian Mark Thomas is set to bring his comeback tour to a County Durham comedy club in February.

The activist and so-called mischief maker is dusting off his stand-up persona after a long break spent dabbling in theatre.

His show, Gaffa Tapes, has received high praise during its runs at York's Crescent Theatre and Newcastle's Stand, performing on September 29 and October 27 respectively.

Referred to by some as the 'godfather of political comedy', Thomas has spent nearly four decades in the industry with a unique blend of comedy, theatre, journalism, and sporadic performance art.

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His return to stand-up with a UK tour is coming to York's Crescent Theatre on September 29, Newcastle's Stand on October 27 and Barnard Castle's Witham on February 1.

Thomas honed his craft through six series of the Mark Thomas Comedy Product and three series of Dispatches for Channel 4.

He's also written five books and four playscripts, and created five series of the Manifesto for Radio 4.

His activism has led to major achievements, such as forcing a politician to resign and changing laws on tax and protest.

Thomas holds the Guinness world record for the most protests in 24 hours and has successfully taken the police to court three times.