David O’Doherty – Seize The David O’Doherty

The sad clown is such a cliché in stand-up that it’s a triumph the novelty keyboard-wielding Irishman David O’Doherty managed to create a relentlessly hilarious show from this idea, both genuinely unique and touchingly heartfelt. The if.comedy award-winner started with a gloriously, incongruously silly song about life’s inherent bleakness, perfectly setting the tone for the tale of his slow recovery from a post break-up pit of misery, punctuated by minor annoyances and festive mice infestation. With the stagecraft and confidence at a peak, and, of course, a nicely updated version of his brilliant “My Beefs” rant, this was a powerhouse performance from a true original.

Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, 13 October 2012
[Rating: 5/5]
Nick Aldwinckle