Luca Cupani @ Underbelly George Square

Luca Cupani delivers straight stand-up with no gimmicks, but his hour about growing up Catholic in Italy showcases an innocence and vulnerability which is a break from traditional topics.

While his show gets off to a strong start, though, it loses pace and structure slightly as it goes on: Cupani moves between anecdotes without much connection and a couple of punchlines fall flat when he doesn’t seem to fully commit to them. The result is that the momentum doesn’t really get going and the show ambles to a not-quite-conclusion when Cupani is suddenly saying thank you and goodbye before you’ve realised it’s over.

The naive persona which sees him almost whisper 'rude' words and guilt-trip his way through anecdotes about sex is a refreshingly honest departure from the style of humour which has defined stand-up in previous eras. Overall, while individual anecdotes and punchlines are entertaining and endearing, it’s a shame they don’t contribute to a greater narrative. Luckily, audiences will still leave thinking that Cupani might just be the sweetest man in stand-up.

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Luca Cupani: God Digger, Underbelly George Square (The Wee Coo), 1-27 Aug, 5.20pm, £6.50-10

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