The back room of Finnegan’s Wake is packed out and people are standing crowded around the walls – sadly, it must be more to do with Ian Perth’s excellent flyering ability than any kind of underground assessment of his comedy skills. The hour is enjoyable enough, but certainly nothing special: the jokes don’t exactly come thick and fast, although they are a fairly steady trickle. There’s a bit too much forced audience participation – a clap for “more energy” is one thing, but when we’re asked to cheer for Perth’s mother’s recent subscription to Facebook, it’s a little desperate. That said, Perth is likeable enough and although it’s flawed and disjointed in parts, it’s by no means a bad show.

Laughing Horse at Finnegan’s Wake, 6 – 27 Aug (not 7, 14, 21), 1.20pm (2.08pm), free, fpp147.
tw rating 3/5
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