As Kieran Hodgson takes to the stage, a giant US flag unfurls behind him before getting stuck due to a mechanical issue. It’s ‘not deliberate nor is it a metaphor’, explains Hodgson, although it certainly feels like the latter. In Voice Of America, the comedian and actor details his historical fascination with the US, and explores how recent events have complicated a once-great relationship he enjoyed with the country and its people. He cleverly frames this interrogation through his casting in 2023 superhero film The Flash, in which he played a supporting role as Sandwich Guy. That film was a box-office bomb (largely due to the ‘inter-state crime spree’ of its lead, Ezra Miller) but Hodgson has some nice material on his casting and its production.

His skills as an impressionist are ably demonstrated, particularly in the voices of US presidents, although some of these sections run on, sapping the comic energy. He’s better with observations about the differences in UK and US English, sometimes bringing in the hilarious, profound opinions of his retired English-teacher dad to great effect. He concludes with a sweet anecdote about an evening when he was taken under the wing of an old, rich Italian-American man at The Met, a story that strikes the perfect balance between Hodgson’s impressive vocal skills, sharp observation and smart writing.

Kieran Hodgson: Voice Of America, Pleasance Courtyard, until 24 August, 9.30pm; main picture: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.