If you’ve ever wondered what Jolene, Delilah or Stacy’s mother would say in response to the songs written about them, then wonder no more. Matty Hutson has given a right to reply to the characters dreamed up by Dolly Parton, Plain White T’s and Fountains Of Wayne, and the world is a funnier place for it. This is just one string to Hutson’s musical bow, but you get the feeling he could fill an entire show with them and nobody would mind.

Setting up shop with a guitar, keyboard, loop pedal, mouth organ and myriad of pre-programmed digital goodies, the Warrington-born comedian is master of his domain. With the aid of a backscreen announcing the arrival of each new section, he strolls amiably through ‘Musical Comedy’, ‘Non-Musical Comedy’, ‘Crowd Work’, ‘A Song For The Fellas’, ‘A Song About How It’s Awkward To Meet People At Any Age’ and many more such enticing titles.

When he’s not replying to other people’s songs, Hutson’s own compositions have an unexpectedly pure delicacy; as does his voice. Each number starts life as a gentle, serious ballad which, in another context, would be well worth a listen. But we soon learn the format and each seemingly emotional melody hits a wisecrack ending that has everyone dissolving in laughter. It’s not just Hutson’s sharp wit, musical acumen, ability to work a crowd, or infectious silliness that wins us over; his self-effacing honesty and warmth also makes him impossible not to like. 

Matty Hutson: Don’t Hold Back, Pleasance Courtyard, until 27 August, 7.15pm.