As the amenable promoter of Leicester’s Ship Of Fools comedy club, Alan Seaman has built up a charming, welcoming venue – thanks in no small part to his friendly manner as its resident compere. But when it comes to his own stand-alone set in a less familiar venue, that niceness just isn’t enough to see him through. Rather than a seasoned professional, he comes across more like an overeager weekend dad, trying too hard to please with a parade of puns and observations – but all told without much conviction. They are, however, fairly topical – with Seaman obviously getting much of his inspiration from the week’s events – and maybe one gag in five is rather good, suggesting he’s got some talent as a writer. But without any strong persona, point of view or attitude, and little in the way of presence, the set falls rather flat, rendering Seaman himself all-too forgettable.
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