Carl Hutchinson: Acceptable

A bit of a mixed show, this one. Hutchinson is clearly one of those young, male comedians who's using the Fringe as a shop window in the hope of scoring more gigs and some telly work. There's the obvious, pedestrian material, including a bit on how men feel about their underpants. He's got a vague concept (listing the things he finds unacceptable) which only appears whenever it's convenient. And yes, he's wearing the obligatory t-shirt.

And yet there are two things that make this show worthwhile. The first 40 minutes are a standard club set, but the last 20 are really dynamic and witty, including an excellent routine about an X Factor for accountants, which ends on a great callback. It shows that he's a smart guy and a good writer, and that he could do a great Fringe show if he wanted to.

The other thing is the audience reaction. Hutchinson doesn't just have a good gig tonight, he absolutely blows the roof off the place. He may not be making great art but he sure can work a room. A perfect hour for anyone who fancies a bit of Route One standup and an absolute must for booking agents casting around for the next big thing.