COMEDIAN Jason Byrne brings his high-energy stand-up show to The Point in Eastleigh on February 27. What's On's Hayley Dunlop caught up with the Irishman, who has been described as one of the most exciting comedians around...

DURING one of Jason Byrne's recent shows, one of his audience members got arrested.

"He wasn't heckling me or anything," says Jason.

"Apparently he got chucked out of the crowd during the interval for being drunk, but when I found out I said he should come back in.

"At this point the guy said that someone should call the police because there was a warrant out for his arrest and he couldn't be bothered to run away from them anymore!

"So the police turned up and carted him away. Nobody knows what he did!"

However, unusual sights are not rare when it comes to the explosive stand-up shows of the charismatic Irish comedian.

"I recently performed in front of just 30 people, my smallest audience for quite a long time!

"My shows are split into two halves and during the first half I try and get to know the audience. This small crowd were a bit tricky to crack, but I eventually won them over by lying down on the stage and licking the floor.

"I really will go to any lengths to get the crowd on my side!"

Jason thrives on interacting with his audiences and making razor sharp observations, meaning that no two of his shows are the same.

"I get bored if I don't change my material.

"Using the audience for inspiration is the perfect way to make each show individual."

Jason, who lives in Dublin, used to work in a theatre as a lighting designer.

"The money was good but I hated it. I didn't start stand up until I was 24."

Nine years later and his comedy career is going from strength to strength.

He received a coveted Perrier Award Nomination in 2001 and was one of the fastest selling performers at the last four Edinburgh Festivals.

After this current tour, Jason will embark on an exciting new TV project as a follow-up to his recent BBC2 hit show Jason Byrne Hates.

"I can't say too much about it at the moment, but I'll be working with the two guys who used to be Zig and Zag on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast!"

Attempting to describe the comedian's unique style of performing is tough, although some critics have compared Jason to fictional Torquay hotel manager Basil Fawlty.

Jason has always been confused by this comparison. "OK, so we're both tall and scrawny and perhaps a bit manic, but no one ever compares him to me!"

It is possible to see some similarities, however. The Irishman appears to be constantly full of pent-up energy, and unleashing this energy and humour on to a willing crowd is, without doubt, the perfect way for this talented and likeable man to earn a living.

For tickets call The Point box office on 023 8065 2333