BUG Hosted by Adam Buxton

The usually BFI-based BUG organisation’s remit is to celebrate ‘global creativity in music video’, and in that respect, this show succeeds admirably. Videos from acts as diverse as US indie-rockers Manchester Orchestra, electro artists The Chase and house DJ Etienne de Crecy demonstrate extreme innovation, imagination and technical proficiency, pushing the medium to new heights.

Buxton is a good choice as presenter – he’s affable, charming and evidently in love with the subject matter, and his past experience as music video dissector (on Adam and Joe) and director (Radiohead’s ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’), as well as his BBC Radio 6 Music tenure, make him more knowledgeable than most on the topic.

The problem with the show is that it all feels a little too self-congratulatory. Buxton is amusing, but playing to a crowd who already love him, as shown by references to radio in-jokes (both ‘Stephen? Just coming!’ and Taffin make appearances). Thus he never really needs to make an effort, falling back on silly voices, the odd swearword and some literal readings of YouTube comments to generate over-enthusiastic laughs. The whole evening is akin to sitting at home with one of your slightly-funnier-than-average mates, sharing banter and watching clips on the internet – a lovely way to spend an evening, to be sure, but not worth £15.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 29 Aug, SOLD OUT.