Given his topical pedigree it was surprising that Andy Parsons avoided the biggest news story of the week.
But the mischievous and likeable Mock The Week regular doesn’t need to court controversy or flirt with tastelessness - he is too funny for that.
In his two-hour set there were few subjects he didn’t cover, and even Maggie Thatcher got a passing mention in the context of another punchline. Eschewing a support act, and getting laughs even before stepping on stage, Parsons proved he is one of Britain’s great stand-ups, with an eye for the absurd and a lust for fun.
We learned a lot about what makes him tick - including the joys of recent fatherhood, his dislike of Kendal Mint Cake, and his favourite pursuit of sitting in his shed doing nothing at all.
Along the way there was much ridiculing of politicians from all parties, and an account of a train journey to Glasgow that was one of the funniest things I’ve heard.
He promised us a big finale, and we definitely got it, with a dash of showbiz that will summon a smile whenever I think of it. Topical’s good. Funny is better.
ALAN COOPER