Veronica Elizabeth is a fine host for this night, which seeks to “break down barriers” between different sexualities. Quite how it intends to achieve this noble end is unclear, as we watch Kevin Dewsbury  doing a routine about drink awareness adverts and Anil Desai doing Robert de Niro impressions. Though both are charming, instantly likeable and enticingly funny. This show probably won’t change the world, but the liberal agenda it sets out makes for a pleasant, relaxed evening, free from worries that you’ll be bullied for getting up to go to the toilet or coming from some unfashionable town. Also, Veronica is a host as funny as her guests, which is so rare it deserves a medal.

Laughing Horse @ The Phoenix, until 26 Aug, 8.00pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [James Hampson]