TV presenter and author Michael Palin has come out in support of independent bookshops, saying that they are “a way of bringing people together” and represent “the heart of community life”.

The Monty Python star announced that the latest volume of his diaries, Travelling to Work: Diaries 1988–1998, would be promoted with his first one-man tour across the country and he will be appearing at The Kings Theatre, Southsea on Friday 19th September.

At each of the 21 venues of the tour, a local bookshop will be selling signed copies of Palin’s books in the foyer of the theatre. Palin said: “The link up is to give them [local bookshops] a little more coverage and visibility. I think there is something that the bookshop represents which is the heart of community life,” he continued.

“Bookshops are a way of bringing people together. There is a feeling when you go into one, an idea that this is a good place to be. People talk to each other more. They take their time.

“I love bookshops because they allow you to browse much more easily than online. I love physical books, the look, the colour,” he added.

Marie Telford from The Hayling Island Bookshop said “Michael’s publishers contacted us a few weeks ago and we are delighted to be working with The Kings Theatre, when they host him in September. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Michael speak about this very busy period of his life, and I’m sure that the tickets for his show and the signed copies of his book will be in great demand.”

Travelling to Work will cover the period when Palin first ventured into travel presenting with “Around the World in 80 Days”.

To book tickets for his show at The Kings go to www.kings-southsea.com or call the Box Office on 02392 828 282.