Jonathan Aitken set for Theatre Severn

Disgraced former cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken is the latest famous face lined up to host an evening at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn.

The former Tory MP and journalist will be visiting the town this autumn to talk to guests at the multi-million pound venue in Frankwell about his life in politics, his fall from grace and his bid to reform himself.

On June 8, 1999, Mr Aitken, former chief secretary to the Treasury, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at the Old Bailey, having admitted charges of perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice. It followed a lie he told on oath in a libel action.

The court case was massive headline news but following his release from prison he has developed a successful career as a public speaker, and now has over 100 speaking engagements a year.

He also turned to religion and is an avid campaigner for prison reform.

Churches in Shrewsbury have worked together to arrange the 67-year-old's visit to the town.

Dave Matthias, of the Barnabas Community Chuch in Shrewsbury, who is one of the organisers, said: "He gives a very interesting insight into the inner workings of government, including his own fall from grace, experiences in prison and then an often overlooked part of his story which involves a journey towards having an active Christian faith.

"He will also host a question-and- answer part of the evening so people can ask him whatever they want, which could be very interesting."

The event at the theatre will start at 7.30pm on September 9 with tickets priced at £6 per person. Call the box office on (01743) 281281 or visit www.theatresevern.co.uk