Carl Donnelly 3: Carl Donnelier!

It’s easy to see why critics and award judges have heaped plaudits on Carl Donnelly. But on this occasion, his easy style of stand-up is muddied somewhat by his inability to stay on topic. In the initial few minutes he becomes preoccupied chatting to his front row and during the remainder of the set goes all the round the houses on his way to concluding his tales.

He’s a self-confessed waffler who notes that he’s easily distracted and that his show is simply a series of stand-up stories strung together. If there is a theme it’s about being true to yourself (which is not as wet as it sounds). Most of the time Donnelly’s tendency to prevaricate is probably endearing but in a crowded, warm room you really do want him to just get on with it.

Nevertheless when he does complete an anecdote it proves worth the wait; routines such as people’s habits of building up an elaborate story around the reason they can’t eat a particular food is perfectly executed and his closing story about a novelty dancing routine involving other comedians is close to being sublime.

Udderbelly’s Pasture, 0844 545 8252, until 29 Aug, 7.50pm, £10–£12 (£9–£11).