Robin Ince

There is no harsher critic of Robin Ince than Robin Ince (and maybe some guy on the internet). With each sentence spoken Ince back pedals and breaks the phrase down, re-examining it in a self-effacing, ironic manner. In his show, Robin Ince Knew This Would Happen, he reveals that he applies the same approach to the world around him. A self-confessed nerd, Ince loves the analysis of science and the questioning nature of philosophy though he manages to talk more about his dislike of yob culture than anything truly insightful. But with every subject from evolution to sex, Ince is so energetically enthusiastic that the audience are compelled to listen.

There is something very childlike in the 38-year-old’s mannerisms; he shouts and squirms like an only child seeking attention, yet it’s a personable performance. Ince has often been accused of being ‘too middle class’ but here he turns on the moaning classes too: ‘We had to go shopping for things that we wanted with money that we have. It was a nightmare.’ The resulting show is befuddled and amusing or, in Ince’s own words, ‘so close to a nervous breakdown.’ (Emma Lennox)

Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, until 27 Aug, 7.30pm, £11–£12 (£10–£11).