Show Rating:

Back in Edinburgh after a year away, Adam Bloom confirms his status as one of the most inventive stand-ups around with this clever and funny show.

His utter enthusiasm for comedy shines through every creative routine, each of which is sprinkled with the sharpest of one-liners.

Bloom takes everyday, almost unexceptional events in his life, and takes twisted leaps in his trains of thought, resulting in refreshingly different stories with a sharp comic edge.

He can, at times, be self-centred, obsessing about how his act is going and how he's being perceived on stage (even down to asking one bemused punter "How tall do you think I am?")

But he also refers to that egotism, which helps fuel the subtle deconstruction of the act which adds to the charm and humour of this fine show.

This analysis culminates in a set piece finale, devised to spoof those Channel 5 time-fillers, Comedy's Greatest Secret's Revealed.

In fact, this seems to overplay the issue, deliberately hammering home ideas that had previously only been hinted at, and going against the low-key, intelligent wit that permeated the rest of the hour.

However the routine did allow for another great gag or two, adding to the impressive tally of perfect punchlines.

And you can't argue with that.