Del Strain's free show, billed for 30 minutes, ran for 17 barely enough for a standard circuit set.

His Glasgow housing estate hardman shtick and armed robber affectation is fine, with steady laugh-worthy material, but the gags were not connected well enough for a full routine.

And the delivery was more catatonic than deadpan. There was no enthusiasm in the voice; no enthusiasm in the delivery; no enthusiasm in the eyes.

This two-time Hackney Empire finalist needs an injection of several cans of Red Bull to perk the delivery up.

John Fleming