Review by Corry Shaw

It is almost predictably standard for a comic to open their set by pointing out which celebrities they look like. But when Dave Gibson arrives on stage looking like a Ron Burgundy tribute act, replete in Anchorman suit with perfectly coiffured hair and moustache, it’s not the spoof newsreader character he compares himself to, but Jason Lee. He seems to have missed a trick by exploring the My Name is Earl similarities, while the audience are conversing among themselves, searching their memories for Will Farrell’s name.

Gibson has a range of one-liners that vary between groan-worthy and incredibly funny, his line about dating two anorexics proving particularly good. But the rest of his material is inconsistent, not enough to keep hold of the audience’s attention. There are a few gems in there, his helpful description of Greggs the Baker being a stand-out line, but they are lost to the weaker material about his Dad's Bluetooth and his stint as a TV warm-up.

With a bit more work, and perhaps a look in the mirror Gibson could develop into a strong act

Review date: 31 Jan 2010
Reviewed by: Corry Shaw
Reviewed at: Hackney Empire