The six-degrees-of-separation theory posits that any given person can reach any other individual through a network of personal contacts.

So far, there is no theory which links people to places but if there was, Brighton could boast one degree of separation from the entire celebrity world because virtually every singer, actor and comedian who visits the city has a Brighton claim to fame.

Kate O'Mara grew up in Wyndham Street with her grandparents, Radio One presenter Dave Pearce has a weekend flat on the seafront, as do Baby Spice Emma Bunton, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and spangly chat-show host Graham Norton.

When Kylie played the Brighton Centre last year, she held her after-show party at The Shakespeare's Head in Seven Dials. Apparently, a friend of hers worked behind the bar.

When Texas performed in the city, singer Sharleen Spiteri said a special hello to her husband's family, who, surprise, surprise, live in Brighton.

Let's face it, if Elvis was going to work in a chip shop, it would be the one at the end of the Palace Pier.

The situation is no different when it comes to the exhaustingly-funny Lee Evans.

The boxer-turned-stand-up-comic and Hollywood film star has more local links than a Brighton and Hove bus map.

Lee's manager Addison Cresswell is from Brighton. Addison now runs the Off The Kerb comedy promotion company and manages other heavyweights such as Jack Dee, Jonathan Ross and Mark Lamarr.

Addison also happens to be the brother of Stomp co-founder Luke Cresswell.

Last year, Lee flew to Romania to appear in Luke's debut feature film. Stomp are keeping schtum about the content of their film but we can be sure it will be of a noisy nature.

Lee worked alongside Chevy Chase and Brighton actor Steve Spiers. The Stomp film is currently in post-production and is expected to be released next year.

Lee also joined a strong-cast in a new British film produced by Brighton-based film company Spice Factory. Plots With A View is an off-beat comedy about two rival funeral parlours battling for business in a small Welsh village.

American actor Christopher Walken plays a cunning funeral director who intends to revolutionise the industry through the innovation of themed funerals.

Did I mention Walken starred in Hove DJ Norman Cook's award-winning music video for Weapon Of Choice? Six degrees of separation - pah! Who needs 'em?

Lee gives his best performance since There's Something About Mary. The film also stars Brenda Blethyn and Alfred Molina.

Jason Piette, joint managing director of Spice Factory, said: "While casting Plots, we felt Lee's physical style of comedy would be perfect for the part of Delbert and we were delighted when he came on board.

"His performance as Christopher Walken's sidekick is hilarious and the obvious rapport between the two really worked on screen and has resulted in a genuinely classic comedy partnership.

"On a more personal level, what really comes across about Lee is what a genuinely lovely guy he is. He certainly made a huge impression on the crew and other cast members.

"One memorable example of this was while we were shooting in the local supermarket of a small town in Wales. A huge group of kids had gathered to watch who were obviously big fans of Lee.

"Despite the hectic and demanding schedule, he took time out to speak to each and every one of them and spend some time around them just being himself - natural, friendly, polite and 100 per cent likeable."

Although dedicated to comedy, Lee has spent the past seven years pursuing a film career.

In 1995, he moved effortlessly into the swing of Hollywood with films such as Funnybones, The Fifth Element, Mousehunt (again with Walken) and There's Something About Mary.

Unfortunately, his latest offering The Martins had critics reaching for the Prozac. Depressing, dreary and soulless, it earned Lee a thick, black mark against his name.

But with hotly-tipped films such as Plots and Highbinders, starring Jackie Chan, due out later this year, Lee should be able to earn himself a shiny, gold star.

Right now, Lee is concentrating on a gruelling UK tour which sees him performing more than 100 dates in five months.

"I love the immediacy of stand-up," he chirps. "I enjoy the sound of the whole auditorium laughing.

"Being on film sets for the past couple of years has made me really miss that sound. I'm fed up with just making a few lighting technicians laugh.

"They used to say to me: 'We haven't laughed like that since Peter Sellers came on set hopping on one leg' and I would think: 'Blimey, you've had a grim few years, haven't you?'"

That Lee has ridden the showbiz bull like a modern-day rodeo star is no surprise considering his family history.

Born in Bristol, Lee was exposed to the demands of showbiz at an early age and to this day, his father Dave Evans still performs at clubs and at the ends of piers.

Lee remembers: "My brother and I grew up in digs, theatres and clubs. We used to sit in the back of the car or be stuck backstage talking to dancers while Dad was doing his act."

Although manic, extrovert and over-the-top on stage, Lee is actually a humble chap who hasn't forgotten the importance of his journey.

"When I left art college, I had jobs cleaning toilets and working on building sites. I dreamed of one day doing something creative - and now I've achieved that and it feels amazing."

Tickets cost £6 to £20. Call the box office on 01273 709709.