TV and radio comedian Mark Steel kicks off Diss Museum's Tom Paine Festival at Diss Corn Hall at 8pm on Friday, November 7.Described as “the funniest Marxist since Groucho,” Mark has been a regular on the British comedy circuit for 20 years.

TV and radio comedian Mark Steel kicks off Diss Museum's Tom Paine Festival at Diss Corn Hall at 8pm on Friday, November 7.

Described as “the funniest Marxist since Groucho,” Mark has been a regular on the British comedy circuit for 20 years.

He has written and presented four series of The Mark Steel Solution for BBC Radio 4, and a further four series of The Mark Steel Lectures.

He has a weekly column in The Independent and has published several books. In August he brought out his latest book What's Going On? - the title of his show at Diss.

Mark has appeared on the panels for Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You? And Question Time.

When he gave the Tom Paine Lecture at UEA in April he delighted a packed audience with his funny, irreverent approach to history.

Tickets (£12) are available from Diss Library and Tourist Information Centre or tel Diss Museum 01379 650618. The bar will be open and there will be music by Diss Guitar Circle from 7pm.