Pierre Hollins at Headliners
Live Review
Headliners

It makes for an engaging, natural stage presence and ease of audience interaction that sees him over the inconsistent quality of the material. There are some very good lines in his set, but some tired routines, too.

Comedians shouldn’t really be doing the same gags months, or even years, after a news story broke that they could have easily done on the night. Many comics’ first reaction on hearing about the baggage handler who waded into the failed Glasgow airport terror attacks was, understandably, to think: ‘Typical aggressive Scotsman, punching a man even when he’s on fire.’ Fine when it was news, but two years later you might expect a more interesting angle. But Hollins – like a lot of stand-ups, to be fair – still pushes that instant line he might have further dwelt on by now.

There’s also a musical element to Hollins’ conversational act, and he brings on stage a guitar – or sometimes a modified squash racquet – which he plays like the finest grizzled pub rocker. The terrorism song, inspired by the above, isn’t great, but his particularly English take on a blues song is entertainingly spot-on.

A mixed bag of material, then, but Hollins does have the laid-back performance skills to make the best of it.

I think he's a great act.

matt price, June 2009

Genuinely blew me away. Worth another look I think, Mr. Chortle. He's inventive, clever and got some of the best lines I've heard in ages.

Andrew O'Neill, March 2007

Yes, a proper good laugh, natural and warm - not textbook gags at all, just solid comedy

Sheila, September 2006

Great, the highlight of the night! Very relaxed and confident, good material and took the audience with him all the time.

Pete, August 2006

It may not be 'comedic rocket science' but Hollins can still react to the audience with great speed. The audience liked him so much last night that one person gave him a spliff (albeit containing just tobacco) which he managed to get several gags out of. Very relaxed, cool style.

James Holdcroft, December 2005

Excellent blues-inspired rants and great timing. Highly recommended.

Tom, January 2005