COMEDIAN Chris Addison brings his intelligent and impassioned brand of stand-up to the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne tonight.

Most people will probably recognise his cherubic face from those Direct Line TV ads The 40-year-old is also known for his appearances on comedy panel shows including Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You, Mock The Week and 8 Out Of 10 Cats. Fans of savage political satire The Thick Of It also know him as Ollie Reeder.

On stage he is renowned for his energetic and physical performances that enhance his comic interpretations of modern life. Though don’t be fooled by the youthful face and nervous energy – Addison is older than he looks.

He cut his teeth on the Manchester comedy scene, with contemporaries including Caroline Aherne, Steve Coogan and Peter Kay.

His first solo stand-up show was back in 1998, when he was nominated for the then-Perrier award.

Over the years he has become a firm favourite with audiences and reviewers alike.

Chris’s latest show is called The Time Is Now, Again, and is heading for Wimborne as part of a national tour.