Alex Kealy @ Underbelly, Med Quad

Alex Kealy is An Idea Whose Time has Come – it's title the Kealy chose for this year’s show, but he wasn't short of alternatives. He runs through his rejected options; as a political comedian (and pun enthusiast), his main problem is the speed at which UK politics is moving at the moment; material relevant a week ago seems ancient history now.

Noting this, Kealy references the fact that the Chilcot report, a report that took seven years to write, was in the news for no longer than a week – consequently, material can seem rushed or out of place because of the need to be current. However, his inherent understanding of rhetoric and nonsense makes for an fascinating hour, as he acts as intermediary between the world of politics and his audience.

Kealy obviously cares when the public are lied to or misinformed but this doesn’t always translate into humour, leaving many of the audience bemused with his slightly long-winded political speeches (though if you’ve come to a gig by a political comedian and don’t enjoy a long-winded political speech, you're probably at the wrong show). He isn’t fazed, however, and pushes on to the next bit of common ground with the audience.

He has armed himself with a TV, which helps further break down the inherent ridiculousness of politics and its heavy implications. Whether by design or chance, Kealy doesn't present himself as superior to his audience, undercutting his own credentials with various stories of failed romantic engagements. The ease with which Kealy handles the room and his pinpoint political commentary add up to an enjoyable performance, while his ability to make the horrendous hilarious is a solid grounding for some marvellous stand-up.

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Alex Kealy is an Idea Whose Time Has Come, Underbelly Med Quad (Daisy), 3-29 Aug (not 17), 9.50pm, £6-10.50