Peter Searles is not a stand-up comic but a first-class raconteur and as such, constant laughs should not be expected. But despite the slow pace of the show, this is a performance worth seeing. The stories told aren’t fantastical enough for doubt to be cast on their veracity, but they do prove to be utterly intoxicating. A mere fifteen minutes in, the audience hangs on his every word, and initial misgivings – that Searles is a self-indulgent bore attempting to wring comedy from his oh-so-exotic travels – have evaporated. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for yarn-spinning and immersive travelogues.

The Stand Comedy Club, until 25 Aug (not 12), 4.40pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [Arjun Sajip]