TOMMY Cooper, Les Dawson and Morecambe and Wise may have got the laughs - but it was Barry Cryer who gave them the lines.

The self-styled King of the One-Liner has enjoyed a lifetime in comedy, both as a performer and a writer of gags for some of the biggest names in the business.

The witty TV and radio star is currently touring the UK with his stand-up show Barry Cryer - The First Farewell Tour, which Winchester's Tower Arts Centre presents at the John Stripe Theatre next month.

Accompanied by pianist Colin Sell (well known to listeners of Radio 4 show I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue), Cryer promises two hours of "gags, giggles and guffaws" in the show.

Audience members will also be given the chance to suggest a topic for the legendary wit to exercise his improvisational skills on, as Barry's Bucket makes its rounds.

Born in Leeds in 1935, Cryer made his professional debut at the Leeds City Varieties Theatre before going on to perform at the Windmill Theatre, London.

It was as a gag writer that he earned his reputation, penning material for the likes of Bob Hope, Bruce Forsyth and David Frost.

He also became a well-known voice on radio, starring in series like I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, Just A Minute and Joker's Wild.

You can see Barry Cryer at the John Stripe Theatre, Winchester on Friday, July 4 , at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £10. Box office: 01962 867986.