Review by Steve Bennett

The sardonic, laid-back and rather shabby-looking Nutt starts slowly, with a couple of lightweight personal yarns about flying out to Afghanistan or Dubai, that don’t really have much point, or any great laughs – although he’s likeable enough to charm his way thought them OK.

But once he moves on to the signature routines at the core of his set, he shows impressive form. With a good idea between his teeth, such as his wishful and imaginative solution to all the idiots in the world, he can tease the audience along wonderfully.

The devil is in the detail. It’s generally the little tricks and asides that make his set, more than the main trains of thought. We’ve all heard comedians moan, tongue in cheek, about weak allergy-ridden kids who could be killed by a mere peanut. But the subtle touches that make Nutt’s take on this subject his own are also what make it very funny. A turn of phrase here, or a sideways glance there is enough to elevate it well above the norm.

His delivery is skilfully nuanced: the pacing and timing is perfect, with momentary pauses ideally placed to draw out the maximum laughter. There’s some fat that could easily be trimmed from some of his more meandering stories, but there’s also some lovely comedy craftsmanship on display.

Review date: 4 Jun 2008
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett