^{Picture: Steve Ullathorne}

Richard Stott is being left at an existential afterparty while his friends move into ‘proper adulthood’, a world of wild swimming, home ownership and orange fleeces. A thirtysomething who hasn’t got their life together is well-trodden ground in stand-up comedy. But Richard Stott adds some niche insights and personal touches that save his show from being just another rant about how difficult hangovers are in your 30s (though he does touch on that).  

Between stories of pot-plant A&E, a nude interview at the BBC, and dodgy post-club afterparties, the set is peppered with puns. Some land delightfully, while others prompt an eyeroll and a sigh. Stott flies through topics at lightning speed, so the show feels bloated with content and arguably slightly directionless. The afterparty theme does well to pull the narrative back together.

The points where he slows down to focus on one topic are where the show really sings: his observations on over-30s in Uniqlo and occupying the space between abled and disabled (he has Poland syndrome, affecting the development of his left hand) which has yet to bag him a ‘virtue-signalling spot’ on panel shows. There’s a charm and vulnerability to Stott that inevitably wins the audience over, and he could be one to watch. 

Underbelly Bristo Square, until 29 August, 4.15pm.