"I read Samuel Beckett as a teenager," says Ardal O'Hanlon.

"He could either induce a life-long depression or make you think 'I must devote my life to highlighting absurdity'. I did the latter."

Though he came to fame for his portrayal of the holy fool Father Dougal Maguire in cult sitcom Father Ted, Ireland's O'Hanlon has always been preoccupied by his own surreal flights of fancy - first at Dublin University, where he and his friends would hire themselves out as wacky after-dinner speakers, and later as a professional stand-up, having won Hackney Empire's Comedy Newcomer of the Year competition in 1994.

"I don't go bungee-jumping or take holidays in Kashmir with the vague hope of getting kidnapped," he says.

"People find their kicks in different ways. Some do hard drugs. I don't - I do stand-up instead. It's the most exciting thing I can do."

Following a four-year hiatus, O'Hanlon is now embarking on his fourth UK tour, including his Brighton Paramount Comedy Festival debut.

Though his set hinges on robust observations on the follies of man, Father Ted fans will be pleased to recognise a certain wide-eyed wonder.

"I'm going to talk about the tyranny of buying shoes and the uselessness of assistants in shoe-shops," says O'Hanlon of his new show. "I also do impersonations of shoes. I do a very good impression of a sandal.

"I'll also address the subject of why geese fly in formation - that has never been addressed before and I don't see why Eddie Izzard should have the monopoly on surrealist comedy - and I'll try and be honest about the rows we have at home. My wife is really helpful here. She's always on hand to remind me of any details I've overlooked. And to make sure I paint her in a fairer light."

Following a five-series run as the loveable Thermoman in mainstream BBC comedy My Hero, O'Hanlon, who hits 40 this year, is currently starring in Ben Elton's new sitcom Blessed, playing a man who is almost overwhelmed by the stresses of having young children.

"I'm playing a very angry, frustrated modern parent," he explains. "I get to rant and rave about everything, which is great because I never get to do that in real life. I'm actually very mildmannered and polite."

Starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £17.50 - £15, call 01273 709709.