There are certain constants in the world of showbiz. Someone, somewhere is probably playing a Beethoven symphony. Someone else is playing a Beatles record. And someone somewhere else is in the middle of a comedy festival sponsored by Murphy's. Which is no bad thing because another rule of showbiz is that a comic who sells out the Olympia is likely to be good. Unlike music, where even a rubbish band sells because of the home town factor, a bad comedian dies horribly and is never seen again. So confidence in Ed Byrne, raised by his numerous appearances on British television, was high and justified. Skinny and long haired, attired in a three piece suit, there is something distinctly Farmer Giles in his voice. But while most young comics with a slightly incongruous or "dangerous" persona make you long for Ken Dodd, Ed Byrne is a very likeable stage presence. For although he is neither original nor especially daring, to the funny all is forgiven.

A bit like Ben Elton without the topical bits - that is to say the poo, the shopping and the sex - his material is hilarious without being riotous and clever without being especially witty. So although he is funny without being remarkable, in comedy that's an awful lot better than the other way round.