Markus Birdman: Dreaming

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a stand-up comic having a good long look at themselves.

The ever-endearing Markus Birdman suffered a stroke not so long ago and this forms the basis for his show, a kind of introspective look into his past conquests and failures as well as his hopes and aspirations for the future.

With a large, intricate piece of the English comic's own artwork as a backdrop he takes us by the hand and walks us through the emotional and physical turmoils he has faced since. Such weighty material is handled with the utmost respect and Birdman never lets us go, always staying relevant, focused and absorbing - not to mention hilarious.

The record player is a great little touch, as are Birdman's often off-the-wall reactions to himself and his new life as a 40-year-old father. He says what we are thinking before we think it and ensures that this thought-provoking and soul-baring show is a joy to behold.

Beautifully captivating, genuinely charming and absolutely funny.