Review by Steve Bennett

Although relatively inexperienced, Carl Hutchinson has the confidence to start his routine in an unhurried, laid-back way. As he speaks about the X-Factor audition shows, his approach initially seems too straightforwardly descriptive to offer many jokes. But as backing music kicks in, his intent becomes clear, winning the audience over through skilful exaggeration. The effect was as much theatrical trickery than comedy, but it certainly worked.

His more conventional stand-up is solid, too, especially a well-constructed take on Oxfam adverts. It’ss decent, rather than amazing, stuff, but Hutchinson’s trump card is the way he interacts with the audience, rolling with every ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ his material generates, giving a dynamism and spontaneity to his performance that’s rare among newer acts.

Review date: 23 Oct 2007
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett