Mitch Benn: Reduced Circumstances

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Mitch Benn's politics are best illustrated by an anecdote in which he equates an online endorsement from Billy Bragg with receiving a high five from Jesus. However, while the folk rock doyen tirelessly participates in leftist protest movements and channels the socially aware spirit of Woody Guthrie into his lyrics, Benn is best known for contributing humorous ditties to Radio 4's gently satirical The Now Show. His intentions are honourable but the execution of his ideas is often a little too cosy.

Reduced Circumstances' introductory song promises us the “same shit” as always, only now with additional references to the performer's weight loss. Happily, Benn is at his best when ruminating on more personal themes. His insight into why he may have gained so much weight in the first place is one of the afternoon's highlights, as is a thoughtful apology to the overweight fanbase he presumes to have alienated. By contrast, routines concerning homophobia and racism are sincere but often lacking in bite and one can't quite shake off the feeling that this is incredibly safe territory for the comic to occupy.

A partisan audience of middle class liberals titters merrily when he compares the international banking situation to the faltering steps of a young child and claps in support of the BBC, but Benn's insistence on preaching to the converted ultimately cheapens the hour.