Jarlath Regan @ Just the Tonic, The Tron

Being told he is obese by an overzealous American doctor spurs Jarlath Regan on to join a military fitness class, but the threat of 50 press-ups ends with the invention of an original – and hilarious – escape plan. Wry quips about his partner's lack of sympathy for his ailments and passive aggressive presents, like gym membership, likewise lead to sweet and embarrassing audience interactions about their own worst presents from lovers. Regan never loses control of the crowd – even when competing with a woman with diarrhoea who had to make a hasty exit and embarrassing return. 

Darker material about terrible child-rearing tips from his mum hits the comedic sweet spot, as does his sister's unrealistic expectations of her father's sex life. Regan even manages to insult the apparent intellectual inadequacies of half the UK electorate over the Brexit win without losing favour. Gags about his native Ireland and their legally-binding referendums overseen by a commission give depth to the show, which is loosely framed around a narrative of how to deal with really bad decisions. Regan offers comic insight and brilliant timing – and unusually fantastic value for money this year in a pay-what-you-like show. His unflinching honesty left everyone feeling a little less bad about their own flaws and there was never a lull in the laughs.

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Jarlath Regan – Arseways, Just the Tonic at The Tron, 4-28 Aug (not 15), 7:40 pm, £5/PWYW.