Jen Carnovale is a likeable, talented comedian. Hailing from Australia, she uses her outsider’s perspective to good comic effect in poking fun at England, Scotland, and, most of all, at her own home country. But she isn’t one of those stand-ups who make constant jokes about national stereotypes: her subject-matter ranges from interaction via social media to her own apparently rancorous facial expressions. The jokes come steadily, with some hitting home effectively, although nothing manages to scale the peaks of comedic brilliance. Certainly, with improved insight, more original subjects, and some honing of material, Carnovale could do rather well. And as a free show, it’s definitely worth a look-in.

Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters, until 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 8.45pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Arjun Sajip]