Review by Barrie Morgan

2014 may be the year of the Independence vote, the Commonwealth games in Glasgow and the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn but Glaswegian comic Gary Little is more concerned about the unspoken etiquette of parks, car boot sales and Abba.

He's a normal guy telling normal stories. It's not diluted by politics, satire or the surreal but a refreshingly straightforward approach, and one which the mostly Scottish audience here are only too welcoming of.

The first thing noteworthy about Little as he strides on to stage is his ironic surname. Standing at 6ft 2in, Little exudes a commanding physicality. He booms punchlines in his thick Scottish brogue yet he still comes across as an endearing, rather charming comedian. Yes, he looks imposing and yes, he looks like he could probably kill you with his bare hands, but Little's gentler moments, of which there are a few, really go some way to squash these misconceptions.

These gentler moments are easily the highlights and really help bind the performer to his audience. Little discusses depression – a heavy subject and one of which he has had first-hand contact - in a sincere and thoughtful manner, surprising yet beautifully handled. It's a pleasure, then, to enjoy his upbeat set and have a chance to properly laugh, and I mean properly laugh, at his stories.

The majority of the material on offer isn't deep and contemplative but that doesn't matter as Little weaves vibrant stories of the everyday; an old friend and new flatmate, an embarrassing encounter in a nightclub, dog-walking and so on. His style shifts momentarily when he's getting annoyed or over-excited and this would be a crease that needs ironed, but on the whole he has the crowd in the palm of his hand.

By the end, you tend Little nationality, huge frame and imposing stature are irrelevant. If you prick him does he not bleed? All you'll remember from his show is how much you laughed and how good that felt. Little does this effortlessly. It's a joy.

Review date: 9 Aug 2014
Reviewed by: Barrie Morgan