The comedian, best known for his role in the BBC1 show Not Going Out, brings his Punslinger routine to the venue on May 1.

Tim once held the world record for the most gags told in front of a paying audience in an hour, an accolade which has set the standard for his latest work.

The 42-year-old from Cheam, Surrey, said: “I have always told lots of jokes in my routines.

“I heard what the world record was and thought ‘I told more jokes than that in my routine last week’. ”

Tim, the brother of BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, smashed the world record of 362 by making his audience laugh 499 times.

But quick one-liners are not the funny man’s only speciality.

Tim said: “I’m known for my word play.

“It’s mainly joke, joke, joke but I try and punctuate my routine with some silly songs and work with props.”

Tim’s UK tour begins in Cheltenham on Sunday and he has taken a break on the coast to prepare himself.

He explained that the ability to tell so many jokes in a short space of time requires meticulous rehearsal rather than a good memory.

Tim said: “I have to pace around going over my routine.

“I take walks along the beach and up to the harbour mumbling to myself like a lunatic.”

After a 12-month break from doing live shows, Tim is looking forward to sharing his new material and getting back on the road.

And, although some of his television work is in front of studio audiences, he finds stand-up very different.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to it - it’s been a year since I last went on tour.

“When you get a new routine and take it on tour it is like showing off to your friends.

“In television there is the acting thing and you are told what you’re supposed to be doing.

“There is more freedom doing stand-up.”

Tim will be in an arena he is fond of when he comes to the arts centre next month and he feels those coming to watch him will get good value for money.

He said: “What they will get is quantity and hopefully a bit of quality as well.

“It’s a brilliant new show and I love that venue.”

Call 024 7652 4524 or visit:

www.warwickartscentre.co.uk