Russell Howard @ Perth Concert Hall

May 29 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

LIVEWIRE comic Russell Howard had a jam-packed Concert Hall in stitches as part of Perth’s Festival of the Arts.

Energetic and full of enthusiasm, the 29-year-old has become a fixture on TV screens due to a prolific appearance record on hit shows Mock the Week and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Looking like he’s stepped straight out of a student union, his baby-faced charm belies nearly a decade in the limelight since making his debut on Channel Four’s So You Think You’re Funny? in 1999.

On stage for over an hour, Howard’s West Country brogue and jack-in-the-box demeanour ensured tales of family life and school days entertained throughout.

Slightly weighty points on the economy, media and politics showcased a depth and structure to his otherwise scatty ramblings – reminding the audience of a toned-down Ross Noble who appeared on the Fair City stage in March.

The ovation Howard received from the capacity crowd after a lengthy encore illustrated he would be a hugely-popular act during the 39th edition of the festival next year.

It must be said that support act Gareth Richards largely fell flat when compared to his box office headliner.

Johnathon Menzies