Bill Bailey at his comedic best on UK show QI. Bailey will be touring New Zealand in October.

British comedian Bill Bailey will perform in New Zealand later this year.

The comic, of Black Books fame, will play five shows throughout the country in October.

It's been 20 years since Bailey first performed in the Land of the Long White Cloud, and he's marking the anniversary with a new show.

Supplied UK comic Bill Bailey is coming back to New Zealand in October.

Lark in Transit is a collection of yarns from his two decades on the road as a travelling comedian.

He'll tackle politics, philosophy, the pursuit of happiness, death metal, ringtones and an excruciating encounter with Paul McCartney.



READ MORE:

* Bill Bailey a man of many colours

* Gig review: Bill Bailey Live



Bailey last toured New Zealand in 2014 with his show Limboland. His brand of comedy involves whimsical storytelling and plenty of music – he can play almost every instrument imaginable.

The Daily Telegraph has called him "the brainiest comic of his generation".

Bailey's shows typically have a musical element.

He'll perform his new show in Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland.

Tickets go on sale on July 12.

Bill Bailey: Lark in Transit

Christchurch: Thursday October 20, Horncastle Arena

Tickets from Ticketek (0800TICKETEK)

Invercargill: Friday October 21, Civic Theatre

Tickets from Ticket Direct (0800224224)

Dunedin: Saturday October 22, Regent Theatre

Tickets from Ticket Direct (0800224224)

Wellington: Monday October 24, Michael Fowler Centre

Tickets from Ticketek (0800TICKETEK)

Auckland: Wednesday October 26, ASB Theatre

Tickets from Ticketmaster (0800111999)