ALAN CARR WORK IN PROGRESS

Princess Theatre, Torquay

★★★★

"THE best way I can describe tonight will be something like Cher Lloyd on the X Factor," Alan Carr (pictured) tells the crowd at Torquay preparing them for the night ahead.

And then follows a comical rendition of songstress divaness and dodgy rapping. He is trying to say his stand-up routine might be hit and miss. This is, after all, work in progress getting ready for his upcoming tour.

The truth, in actual fact, is he is brilliant. I'm not sure what I would cut to make me laugh much more.

At times you struggled to hear the start of the next joke because the crowd were still digesting the mirthmaking and giggling.

From ecology and the joys of pump-free electric cars and supermarket self service check outs to the trials of becoming a new dog owner and the training delights — every time Carr recounted a tale I found myself belly laughing and from the sounds of the auditorium this was the case for the majority of the audience.

So much of the show involves his own unique brand of tales and physical comedy. As he bounces about the stage with his accents and impressions I was impressed not only by his comedy but his showmanship and stamina.

He uses hecklers to the great delight of the audience and taking their comments to be used later in the sketch. He only has to pull a facial expression and I crack up.

But the best thing he does is using his eye for detail to recount everyday situations for extremely high comedy value.

It is not about cutting and clever one liners here. This is more like a night in with a very, very funny friend who can tell you about his eBay dalliances or brushes with celebrities and produce equal laughs.

Carr himself admits people want to see him for 'warmth and funny stories', and why not?

He has been busy carving out a TV career with success such as the Friday Night Project followed by his turn as a chat show host for Chatty Man.

It is hard to believe this is his first time on the road touring in more than four years to try out new material for his forthcoming 33 date Spexy Beast arena tour in the autumn.

He is very likeable and laughable. It is easy entertainment, a great night out and to be honest you would not know he's been away from stand up. As with his dog training routine he's definitely still got it.

ABI PARKES