Comedy Icon Turned Social Activist Russell Brand

With his Pre-Raphaelite halo of raven curls, Puck-like sense of mischief and charismatic command of the English language, comedian Russell Brand is one of the most recognisable and well loved stand-up performers in the world. Born and raised in the English county of Essex, Brand's rebellious teendom parlayed into drug addiction in his early adulthood, a subject that informed many of his first candid, confessional-style comedy shows. No stranger to controversy, his party antics, Hollywood rock-star life-style and lothario reputation were underpinned by a keen sense of self-deprecation and the ability to skewer his own flamboyance, making for erudite routines that never shied away from the taboo.

Nowadays, the father of two's priorities have very much changed. From spiritual enlightenment to explorations of political hot topics, his best-selling books and weekly podcast Under The Skin delve into what lies beneath the surface of ideas that are transforming and defining our time, the people behind them and the facts and fiction of history, as well as rhetoric on addiction recovery and religious exploration. Although his world view is far more mature than his formative years in the industry, his arguments are as sharp, witty, original and eye-opening as ever.