CityLife

Arena return for Avril

WHEN you've sold 30m albums by the tender age of 23, plumping for the album moniker, Best Damn Thing, seems less like arrogance and more a statement of fact.

Yet, as with any precocious act - particular one which hails from the other side of the Atlantic - Avril Lavigne is not everybody's cup of tea.

Sullen, stroppy - a typical teenager, when she first burst on to the scene seemingly in a fit of pique with her debut offering Let's Go in 2002, Lavigne spoke for a host of skater-gear clad youths on the look out for a feisty pin-up for the bedroom walls.

Now approaching her mid-20s, the Ontario performer's image and demeanour has noticeably softened.

Married to Sum 41's Deryck Whilbley (who helped produce her latest offering), Lavigne has also forged a budding film career thanks to roles in Fast Food Nation and Over The Hedge.

Last in town on the Under My Skin tour in 2004, expect to see a smilier, more content Avril Lavigne performing her punk-pop anthems this time out.

Avril Lavigne plays the M.E.N. Arena on Thursday, May 29. The Jonas Brothers support. £27.50. Call the Box Office on 0870 060 1768 to book or click here .