Arts of the Pamlico will welcome a homespun comedic favorite to the Turnage Theatre stage.

Comedian James Gregory, known for his wry sense of the absurd, a Southern accent and universal storytelling makes a return to the theater Friday at 8 p.m. Gregory performed at the theater once before, before the nonprofit arts organization took ownership of the early 20th-century theater in downtown Washington, according to Joey Toler, Arts of the Pamlico executive director.

“He’s pretty famous in these parts. He really does sell out wherever he goes,” Toler said. “It’s downhome humor and that’s something a lot people around here can relate to.”

The comedian comes to Washington on a hectic tour schedule: Gregory is on the road three days a week, 46 weeks a year, according to his bio. He takes on both the ridiculous and the common, and nothing is off limits — from crazy relatives and global warming, to modern sensitive parents and out-of-control environmentalists.

He is not politically correct, according to his bio, and is known for saying things like, “If you want me to be concerned about endangered species, you need to convince me that we’re about out of chickens.”

Gregory also says his success is the direct result of the values he grew up with and the absence of vulgarity in his performance sets him apart.

“I have lived long enough to know people, know life,” Gregory stated in a press release. “My comedy is based on my life experiences. It’s real, it’s funny and the audience loves it. That’s why I’m still in business.”

Toler said Gregory’s performance is the first main stage performance at the theater this year, with many more to come.

“Main Stage performances are usually acts we’re presenting, that we’re bringing in from out of town,” Toler said. “Our other performances are things we produce ourselves, or of more local nature.”

Following Gregory, the next main stage performance will be Jan. 23, when the popular traditional music band Molasses Creek, from Ocracoke, will return to the theater.

Friday’s performance begins at 8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling 252-946-2504 or by visiting the box office at 150 W. Main St. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event starting at 6:30 p.m.