COMIC genius Lee Evans is stopping off in Preston as part of a nationwide tour.

The funny man is returning to stand-up comedy after a four-year break -- after taking the silver screen by storm.

Starring roles in the films Mousehunt, There's Something About Mary and the Fifth Element have made the wiry, physical comedian a household name on both sides of the Atlantic.

Next month he is back on stage with his award-winning brand of humour and is coming to Preston's Guild Hall on Saturday, May 18.

At the start of his career, the comic genius followed in the footsteps of many great funny men -- his big break came in 1993 at the Edinburgh Film Festival, winning the Perrier Award.

The former boxer was soon given his own television series on Channel 4, The World of Lee Evans, and it wasn't long before he hit the big screen with Funny Bones, a major feature film.

And when he isn't touring Evans -- a self-confessed workaholic -- is busy working on his next project, then his next.

Currently he is filming the all-action movie Highbinders with legendary martial arts star Jackie Chan and the follow up to Chicken Run.

To see this unique one-man show, call the Guild Hall box office on 258858.