The Lunchtime Club 2011

Consisting of five comics dealing in observational, political and surreal material, The Lunchtime Club 2011 is too long (90 minutes) and lacks direction.

Compere Suzi Ruffell has directness and energy and, with the right material, could be an interesting comic. First up in the main body of the show is Fin Taylor, whose observations concerning showers, sponges and tall people are pedestrian at best. He does make a reasonable stab at audience interaction, but he desperately needs some decent content.

Max Dickins tries to raise the bar with a confused section comprising a Venn diagram, Mr Blobby and tabloids. Although it is dated and incoherent, it is marginally better than his account of trying to have sex with his girlfriend.

Next up, Joe Wells appears to have something to say. His obsession with a bad review undercuts some of the more promising political explorations, but there is at least some intellectual diversion here.

Closing act John Kearns pretends to know everyone in the room and does whale impressions. Fair enough. It is far too late in the proceedings to try and ramp up the energy levels.

The Lunchtime Club 2011 isn't irredeemable, but it urgently requires a thorough re-think.