Mark Hurst is almost a stereotype of the stand-up comic. As a friendly thirtysomething northerner talking about sex and schooldays (though not at the same time).

Completely professional, and with a solid, proven set, he unfailing goes down a storm at some of the circuit's bigger venues.

However, he's not a comic you want to see twice, as he's not altered his act in years. It's either sheer idleness, or the fact he's got in rut playing big rooms like Jongleurs, which give no room tfor failure a new gag might bring.