Ricky Gervais is to tour the UK in 2017 with a new stand-up tour.

Titled Humanity, Gervais has said of the show "the general theme seems to be me moaning about everything in the world from the most privileged position imaginable."

It will be the first stand-up show from The Office star since Science in 2009. Writing on his blog in September, he said: "I've done a few warm-ups and it's definitely in the best shape of any of my shows at this stage at least. I also plan to do more warm-ups than usual as I want this to be my best show ever and possibly my last. Never say never, but with that attitude it will make me put every ounce of my soul into it."

Notably, Gervais has opted to play theatre sized venues rather than arenas. So far dates have been announced in Bristol, York, Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Belfast between 21st February and 29th March, although more dates are expected to be announced in due course.

He says: "It'll probably take over a year to play everywhere in the world I want to play though. I'm also thinking of not being so eager to commit the show to DVD or TV Special, so that I can tour it for longer."

Speaking this week, he said: "Thousands of people paying hard earned cash to come and see you live is such a privilege. You'd better have something different, interesting and funny to say. Humanity is my angriest, most honest and I think my best tour yet. It's probably my most personal too. I feel I may as well tell you everything before I die."

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster