ENDEARING, intelligent, rude, pompous, childish, angry and nave.

These are just some of the adjectives that have been used to describe Daniel Kitson, one of the most talked-about comedians of recent years, who comes to the theatre Royal Winchester next week as part of his first national tour.

Despite still being a mystery to much of the population - his most high-profile TV appearances to date were in fellow northern comic Peter Kay's Channel 4 series Phoenix Nights - Kitson has earned a reputation as one of the country's best new live performers.

His decision to turn down more TV offers doesn't seem to have done his career too much harm. In 2002 he enjoyed a four-week run at the Edinburgh Festival and won the prestigious Perrier Award before bringing his live show to London theatres late last year.

His playful brand of improvisation has also won him a following in countries such as South Africa, Holland and Singapore.

You can see Daniel Kitson at the Theatre Royal Winchester on March 15 at 8pm. For tickets and information call the box office on 01962 840440.