Andrew Stanley's Comedy Mish Mash

Late shows are a tricky phenomenon to judge objectively. Much of their success depends on the audience, and more often than not, their levels of inebriation. Since eleven thirty is a little early to be sozzled on a Thursday (is it?), Andrew Stanley and chums have another social lubricant in mind: biscuits.

Virtually the whole show revolves around biscuits. Stanley takes a vote on the audience's crumbly confectionary of choice, and rushes out to Tesco immediately to make his purchases. We are promised songs concerning said biscuits, and the opportunity to consume them later on.

It's a great start to the show – there's a genuine rapport between Stanley, his co-host Fred Cooke and the audience, and a shared hilarity that goes beyond the confines of mere performance.

But there's a palpable loss of momentum with the introduction of the first comedy act, Neil Hickey. Hickey's laconic style suits this perfectly, and it is a calming change in direction after the delirious opening fifteen minutes. Subsequent acts gradually ratchet up the comic tension once more, and there's an unscheduled interruption to Stanley and Cooke's compere schtick that leaves both in hysterics.

The acts themselves are, for the most part, consistently funny but tonight, most eyes tonight are deservedly on Stanley's witty audience patter and Cooke's wild-eyed musical numbers. This is ideal late night entertainment with added snacks. A caveat: Jaffa Cakes do not count as biscuits. They are officially classed as cakes and requests will not be granted. Probably.