MEEK, diligent and subtle is how I remembered Alan Davies as crime solver Jonathon Creek in the famous 90s drama.

So I was expecting to see similar characteristics of the actor/comedian in his latest stand-up tour, Little Victories, at the City Hall.

But his two-hour show showed a very different side to Alan: a less reserved, more assuming and direct approach. I was probably slightly surprised by this side as I hadn’t seen him on tour before as a stand-up comedian. He did, however, keep me entertained.

In Little Victories, a big part of his show focuses on his family life, with humorous tales about his young children and a large chunk about his bad-tempered father, and his Alzheimer’s.

Some of the stories went on far too long and he frequently digressed but predominantly his delivery was timed to perfection, and sat well with his charming personality. He took real control of a wide stage, and a large, lively audience, who were eating out of the palm of his hand.

One thing that was nice to see was something that rarely happens on the comedy circuit – Alan laughing, out loud, at his own jokes and stories.

I wouldn’t hesitate to see him again.

Joel Holt