INTERNATIONALLY renowned fool Paddy the Clown stumbles into Cardiff on February 23, when he makes a welcome return to the Sherman with his fun-packed show.

The one-hour extravaganza by one of Britain's top clowns promises tricks, jokes, a few surprises and a lot of laughs.

This globe-trotting jester has left a wake of hilarity and rave reviews in his wake, using simple props, superb timing and a fair amount of self-deprecating humour.

Like all good comics, he is finely tuned to his audience, not only thrilling the kids but entertaining the parents as well, and has been described as fast, witty, spontaneous, enthralling and a real joy to watch.

Paddy is a graduate of the School for Fools in Bristol, the Blackpool Tower Circus College for Clowns, and mime with Philippe Gaulier and Desmond Jones in London.

More than a performer, Paddy has also taught circus skills, run motivational workshops for businesses, and participated in development projects overseas with the United Nations Organisation.

Most recently he performed at the International Children's Theatre Festival in Cape Town, South Africa; in a Masai village in Tanzania; and at the prestigious Teatro Verde in Rome, Italy.

He was recently awarded the coveted 'Rainbow Award' from the Clown's International Organisation for the 'Best Original Act', and currently divides his time between performing a variety of shows to a wide range of audiences, and producing first-class theatre for children.

Paddy the Clown, a full member of Equity and Clowns International, visits the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, on Saturday February 23.

There are performances at 11am and 2pm and tickets are priced at £6/£4, and £16 for a family (up to four tickets). Box office: 029 2064 6900.