ONE of the country's most popular spiritualist mediums is giving mid Cheshire people another chance to see him in action - and Guardian readers could be there free.

Stephen Holbrook, who says he acts as a kind of telephone exchange between this world and the next, will be performing at Northwich Memorial Hall on July 18.

To reserve tickets, priced £11, call Stephen on 01924 256542.

The Guardian has 10 pairs of tickets to the show to give away. To win one of them, just answer this question:

What date is Stephen Holbrook appearing at the memorial hall?

Send your answers to Stephen Holbrook competition, c/o Gemma Sproston, Guardian Series Newspapers, 15 Market Street, Northwich, CW9 5DT.

n COMEDIAN Mark Steel comes to The Octagon Theatre in Bolton on September 1 to perform his new show about the French Revolution.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £12.50 (£10.50 concessions). To reserve them, call 01204 520661.

n AN amusing tale of love, wealth and dancers with two left feet comes to The Lowry, Salford, next month.

Birmingham Royal Ballet performs La Fille Mal Garde from July 5 to July 8.

For tickets, priced £15 to £37, call The Lowry box office on 0870 787 5780.

n A COMEDIAN acclaimed for his role as Big Brother's very own Big Mouth is bringing his award-winning stand up show to the north west.

Russell Brand, a reformed drug addict who has been romantically linked with Kate Moss, has made his own unique contribution to the success of the Channel Four reality TV show.

Fresh from London's comedy circuit, he plays the Palace Theatre, Manchester, on October 22.

Tickets, priced £14.50, are available from the Palace Theatre box office on 0870 401 3000.

n A RECORD breaking children's show about a farm vehicle who always saves the day is returning to the north west.

Tractor Tom will be rolling into the Opera House in Manchester, on September 2.

For tickets, priced £8, call the box office on 0870 145 1163 or see www.manchestertheatres.com.