Show Rating:

Manly Truelove is an instantly recognisable stereotype - the theatrical luvvie-raconteur who has been a comic staple since before Laurence Olivier was in nappies.

This caricature is also an old soak, his grandiose reminiscences fuelled by an insatiable desire for the hard stuff.

Darren Gooding does a decent job in bringing this creation to life, and his diverting monologues are infused with wit - if not quite enough to fill the entire hour.

As the anecdotes unfold, a story emerges about this character's dark side and his obssessive, tormenting nature - though these developments don't actually provide the depth they clearly aim to.

The show also runs out of momentum towards the end, as earlier gags are reprised, and Truelove turns into a genuine thespian bore, milking once-funny jokes beyond their means.

This slight lunchtime show was never going to be earth-shattering, but it's well executed and provides an entertaining enough way to pass an hour - if you're up this early.