NATIONAL treasure Griff Rhys Jones will be making his second appearance in Bowness in 2016, when he brings his brand-new comedy show to the Lakes this weekend.

The familiar TV face voiced two characters - including Peter Rabbit himself - in the recent stage production of Where Is Peter Rabbit? at the Old Laundry Theatre, and he will return to the venue on Saturday October 29.

Currently touring the UK with his new show, Jones & Smith, he will be sharing a series of anecdotes and stories about his time with his comedy partner of over 30 years, Mel Smith, who died in 2013.

Griff’s career has seen him presenting, acting and writing, but it was comedy that first made him a national icon. He found his way into the country’s hearts and funny bones with Mel Smith, appearing in films together, on stage together, and in their hit show Smith & Jones on television together for nearly 20 years.

Griff first appeared with Mel in Not the Nine O’Clock News in 1979 before branching out to create their legendary sketch show and establishing Talkback Productions. In 2012 the comedy duo reunited for what was to be the last time in The One Griff Rhys Jones.

Aside from comedy, Griff’s career has seen him presenting, acting and writing. He has scaled some of the UK’s highest peaks for his ITV series Mountains, and presented its follow up, Rivers with Griff Rhys Jones, both of which were great ratings hits.

He has presented travel documentaries including A Great Welsh Adventure, Slow Train Through Africa, Griff’s Great Britain, and starred in Three Men in a Boat on BBC Two alongside old friends Rory McGrath and Dara O’Briain.

Since 2008, he has presented It’ll Be Alright on the Night, and as an actor has appeared in television shows Mine All Mine and Agatha Christie’s Marple, on ITV.

As well as being a well-known television star Griff has also left his mark on the stage, starring as Toad in The Wind in the Willows and Fagin in Oliver. He has won two Olivier Awards for Best Comedy Performance for Charley’s Aunt and An Absolute Turkey.

His appearance in Bowness on Saturday gets under way at 7.30pm, and tickets are available from the Old Laundry Theatre box office.