Dan Tiernan @ Monkey Barrel

Dan Tiernan’s Fringe debut last year made a significant impact in comedy circles – self deprecating and self-reflective material delivered with the dynamism of a coiled spring. Stomp could be described simply as the essence of what he does best, but even better.

Tiernan (mostly) eschews theatrical ploys and poignant storylines in favour of the finest quality traditional stand-up. The show moves rapidly, covering a great deal of ground in just one hour, from his family, childhood and background to his recent trip to Glastonbury and subsequent decision to give up weed. But it isn’t purely storytelling – Tiernan’s comedy is a great blend of narrative, character study and absurd jokes (often one-liners which he drops in almost as if just to prove he can).

The writing is perfectly balanced, offsetting darker material about being encouraged to suppress gay thoughts against (genuinely funny) fart jokes. No one comedic genre dominates; we leave with a generous but proportionate helping of his real life and a heap of smart but goofy gags designed to throw us off the scent. These segments are not necessarily related, and although the show does have a central story, we’re all enjoying ourselves so much (Tiernan included) that he doesn’t have to actually articulate this until the show’s second half.

Stomp is a relentlessly fun hour that sweeps you along in its wake – by the time it’s over you’ll stagger out in a daze, not realising any time has passed. Tiernan’s energetic delivery, much-commented on by all who see him perform, is the glue that holds this mosaic of stories and jokes together. Watching him is the comedic equivalent of drinking a ginger shot – we could probably tout it as a hangover cure.

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Dan Tiernan: Stomp, Monkey Barrel (MB1), until 25 Aug, 9pm, £10-11; extra show on 17 Aug, 7.35pm, £10-11