If the phrase "don't try this at home" was symbolic of anyone's career surely it was meant for Mat Ricardo.

The 37-year-old is widely regarded as the undisputed master of the tablecloth pull trick - the trick that we all tried as a kid, only to smash your mum's best china to pieces.

And the circus-esque performer is bringing his range of throwing, catching, balancing, spinning and bouncing just about any object skills to Croydon Clocktower during December.

The show, called the Impossibles, is the brainchild of Mat and includes two other performers, Mat Barnard and Bryony Black, who endeavour to do just what you think is impossible.

Mat, who directed the three-man show, has been a comedy juggler for over 20 years and through the show hopes to bring variety performances back to the mainstream.

He said: "Variety shows used to be so popular but they are a dying breed at the moment. The nearest thing this country's got to variety performances is X-Factor so hopefully we can make it more prevalent."

Mat, who describes the production as a "family circus variety show", says he has developed a trick that has to be seen to be believed.

"I've got this trick where I put the tablecloth back on a table without smashing any of the plates or glasses on the table. When I tell people that I can do it they just look at me and laugh. I've actually lost a couple of TV shows because bookers thought I was lying.

"But I love the idea of being able to do tricks that, when you tell your mates that you've seen it, they don't believe you."

Performing in the Impossibles isn't Mat's first trip to Croydon and the circus artiste remembers his first trip 15 years ago with much fondness.

"I performed in a production of the Three Muskateers at the Warehouse Theatre and met my wife there, so Croydon has some really fond memories me."

Mat, together with his two Impossibles co-stars, earned his stripes on the streets of Covent Garden and he admits there is no better learning curve than doing street theatre.

"I call doing street theatre my office job and it's where I learnt my trade, so I can't knock it. Street theatre is more about the impact thing because people are not there to specifically see you - it's more spontaneous.

"But doing theatre is great because it gives you more scope to express yourself. There's so much more you can do in theatre and it gives you a chance to fulfil a vision."

The London-based performer is now hoping his show proves to be a countrywide success,not for the fame and fortune, but because he wants to be able to go home after work.

"I've performed all over the world, from Germany to Japan, but going to a hotel room after a performance can wear you down a bit.

"It would be great for this show to be a success and for us to break the UK, just because I love the thought of going home after a show."

  • The Impossibles, Croydon Clocktower, ends Saturday, December 23. £7.80. 020 8253 1030, email ticketoffice@croydon.gov.uk