ED Byrne is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of stand-up comedy in the UK. His biggest ever tour arrives in Manchester on Saturday for a stop off at Salford's Lowry Centre.

Using no props or gimmicks, Ed relies solely on presence, off-beat subjects and intimacy to captivate his audience.

His "strange but true" observations and ability to make the audience comfortable with taboo subjects allow fans to feel entertained and nervous at the same time.

Byrne's fledgling TV career may have included pantomimes and cringeworthy sitcom roles, but it is in the live arena that the Irish charmer reminds us why he is a former Perrier award nominee.

Internationally, Ed has played to packed audiences at the Montreal Just For Laughs and Aspen Comedy Arts festivals, and is currently the biggest act at the Melbourne and New Zealand Comedy Festivals, where only Billy Connolly can match his ticket sales.

He now aims to further his acting career, in which he has already appeared opposite Pete Postlethwaite and Imelda Staunton in Universal Films' RAT, released in 2001.

His most recent television role was as the host of Granada's "Stand-up Britain", a comedy showcase for new UK talent.

The writing of Ed's own sitcom, The Union, commissioned by Carlton Television, may now have to be put on hold as he completes the tour which began in September and ends in spring 2003.