Though little-known in Britain, Mort Sahl can rightfully claim to be one of the founding fathers of modern stand-up.

He released the first comedy album, was the first performer to appear on the cover of Time magazine and was the first non-musician to win a Grammy. A pretty impressive track record.

With little left to prove, this interlligent liberal hero doesn't perform much these days. But with the world, and America, in the state it is, what better time for a return to the stage.

And what a reception he receives when he does saunter into the spotlight at New York's Village Theatre, wearing his trademark preppy sweater and carrying, as always, a copy of the day's newspaper. It's a look that's served him well over the decades, prompting Bob Hope to dub him "the favourite comedian of nuclear physicists anywhere'".

The audience here certainly revere him as an icon of the left. His biggest boast is that he knew JFK - and he makes much of this in his show, claiming no modern politician has the charisma of his buddy.

At times like this, the show verges on the self-congratulary. A Q&A session that fills up the last then minutes of the hour, even more so. But it's what the audience, who are predominantly of a certain age, want.

In this election year, Sahl does have things to say about today's leaders. In one segment, he plays tapes of Bush's State Of The Union address and Condoleezza Rice's evidence to th 9/11 congressional hearings, complete with cynical running commentary. In another, he places various figures on a giant chart of political leanings, a lecture style perfectly complementing his collegiate look.

He's saying nothing particularly new, but boy does he say it well - each line followed by an ear-to-ear grin than could appear forced, but actually proves contagious.

In some ways, he's showing his age - a breaking voice is put down to a cold, but the satellite-delay pauses before some of his bon mots are less easily explained away. But in others, he's as sharp as ever, tossing out anecdotes on demand as the questions flow from the audience.

Most people here have come to see living history, and this warm, amiable raconteur serves them well. The minority who know him only by reputation may be disappointed that his rapier isn't sharper, though even they can't have failed to be informed and interested by such a fascinating figure.

Steve Bennett
New York
April , 2004