THE original punk poet is coming to Teesside.

John Cooper Clarke will perform some of his poems such as The Day My Pad Went Mad, I Married a Monster from Outer Space and You Ain't Nothing But a Hedgehog.

The middle-aged poet, who will give the reading at Stockton's Arc Theatre, on Friday, March 26, is promising plenty of laughs.

"At my shows there's no good advice at all, but mucho chuckles," he said.

John Cooper Clarke, described as a cross between Stalin and Mr Bean by The Independent, was born in Salford and came to prominence when punk rock was at its height in 1976.

He has had poems commissioned by Radio 4 and performed at Glastonbury Festival, Ledbury Literary Festival and the Royal Festival Hall.

Some of his most famous titles include I want to be a Pope, History Never Happened and The Night we Saved the World (by drinking).

The performance will take place from 8pm. Tickets are £8, £6 and £5 concessions.

For bookings, ring the box office on (01642) 525199