Review by Steve Bennett

Graham Mackie certainly cuts a distinctive figure on stage, which he acknowledges with an endearing icebreaker about resembling an off-duty Santa. It’s typical of the hugely likeable style that pervades his relaxed set. A few self-deprecatory fatty gags reinforce that impression, as does his instinctive way of interacting with the audience, just enough to make this feel like a dialogue.

It’s most likely a technique he learnt at school, for by day he is a woodwork teacher in Govan, and he has a few entertaining tales about pupils playing hooky and forging notes from their parents to show for it. But he’s also got rather too many old, unoriginal jokes to fully capitalise on his charming affability.

Review date: 5 Dec 2010
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett