Yes it's true - the woman dubbed Doris Karloff will soon be holding forth at a theatre near you - in this case the Shrewsbury Music Hall.

In a modern world populated by faceless politicians spouting soundbites and living in fear in case they are not seen to be 'on message' enough, Ann Widdecombe is a breath of fresh air - whatever your politics.

Like Tony Benn, she just can't help speaking her mind and she's famed for her matter of fact manner.

She's also unafraid to stick the knife in when it matters: Tory leadership contender Michael Howard watched his hopes of heading the party disappear after Widdecombe declared he had 'something of the night about him'.

And she barely concealed her delight at the news last year that her novel was outselling Edwina Currie's controversial autobiography at the Conservative Party conference. But despite this she has a talent for self-deprecation that's somehow endearing - witness the name of her website: The Widdy Web - and a ready wit that makes her an entertaining speaker, whatever your views.

The larger than life politician will be in conversation with political journalist Iain Dale at Shrewsbury Music Hall on Friday 24th January at 7.30pm.