An Evening With Kevin Bridges

An event at which it is necessary to mop the floor during the interval is likely a pretty low-brow affair. The sight of Kevin Bridges' name written in lights across the stage strives to suggest otherwise, though, adding a touch of showbiz class to the proceedings. 

Bridges himself is neither classy nor downmarket, but a talented performer sticking to safe, populist material. If the proud Glasgow audience knew or cared how many local acts currently peddle material predicated on differences between the English and the 'Scotch', it is unlikely that Bridges' opening gambit would prove such a hit. Still, he covers well-worn themes from a fresh, self-aware perspective and with a confidence belying his young age . At only 23, it's disconcerting to find Bridges basing a large portion of his act on shared nostalgia, but he proves an expert at establishing common ground with the ten thousand-strong home crowd.

It's when he addresses subjects such as politics and religion in offensively simple terms that the amiable star falters. His striving to diversify his topics may be admirable, but his polished performance simply lacks the subtlety required in dealing with such lofty concerns.