And first live dates in six years

30 Million Minutes begins previews in Sheffield on June 5 and runs until August 2 at Dartford. However no London dates have yet been announced, suggesting it may be extended.

The show is described as covering ‘various delights and riches, with the odd irksome tribulation thrown in, as Dawn takes audiences through the various lessons life has taught her, and the things she knows for sure.’

French said: ‘I'm sick with excitement about this solo tour. I am enjoying the fact that I can't categorise exactly what it is, but it's somewhere between a monologue, a play, and an autobiographical slide show with a few funnies thrown in.

‘At last, I have one of my three genie wishes granted, which is that I finally get to work with [director] Michael Grandage. The other two wishes are as yet unfulfilled. They are secret obviously, but suffice to say, one is about Barack Obama in Speedos. The other is about me in speedos, with cheesecake involved.’

The 56-year-old Vicar Of Dibley star last toured with Jennifer Saunders in 2008 with their show Still Alive.

The schedule is here. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday.

30 Million Minutes is produced by Phil McIntyre Entertainments and Michael Grandage Company.

Published: 24 Feb 2014