Legendary comedian, musician and actor Bill Bailey is coming to Tauranga later this year, bringing the Earl of Whimsy with him.

Bailey plays Dunedin, Christchurch, Tauranga, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Auckland and Wellington in September and October, 2018.

Best known for his role in Black Books, the dry UK sitcom about an eccentric bookshop owner and his assistant Manny, played by Bailey, this is the comedian's second visit to New Zealand. He brought his tour Larks in Transit here in 2016.

Earl of Whimsy will have Bill's trademark blend of satire and surrealism, stories and dismantled jokes, crowd sing-alongs, weird instruments and musical showstoppers.

But there's a distinctly historical feel to this show.

With its tales of Britain's fortunes past and present, of ancient Viking battles, of Shakespeare's contribution to comedy, and Bill's own ancestry, this is both a mockery and a celebration of national identity.

Tickets for Earl of Whimsy go on sale on Tuesday, June 5 at 1pm.

Bill Bailey performs at the following towns and venues:

Dunedin Regent Theatre: Friday, September 21 (Ticket Direct)
Christchurch Horncastle Arena: Saturday, September 22 (Ticketek)
Tauranga Bay Park: Monday, September 24 (Ticketek)
Hamilton Claudelands Arena: Tuesday September 25 (Ticketek)
New Plymouth TSB Showplace: Thursday, September 27 (Ticketek)
Auckland ASB Theatre Aotea Centre: Saturday, September 29 (Ticketmaster)
Wellington Michael Fowler Centre: Monday, October 1 (Ticketmaster)