Liam Withnail’s new show follows a structure that is becoming increasingly common among stand-ups: tying the act together with personal stories that privilege emotion over tightly constructed jokes. Apparently, the show is about the ‘four pillars of happiness’ – except, not really. Withnail throws out the concept so casually at the start that it is clear it serves only as a loose framework for him to playfully explore his past.
This kind of slightly unnatural structure could make the show feel forced, but Withnail largely sidesteps this through sheer force of personality. His affable presence and energetic delivery allow him to bounce from topic to topic with ease, although it is when he settles on a lengthier description of his upbringing in Dagenham that the show really takes flight. His vivid and affectionate descriptions are captivating, balancing heart and humour with ease.
Tonally, Withnail strikes a delicate balance between wide-eyed naivety and the weariness of a comic in his mid-thirties. While the show may lack truly killer punchlines, he wins the audience over so effortlessly that we become fully invested in his stories and even the smallest asides land with surprising belly laughs. A hugely enjoyable hour from a hugely likeable comic.
Liam Withnail: Big Strong Boy, Monkey Barrel Comedy, until 24 Aug (not 13), 6.10pm