Stephen Mullan grew up in Cork with an Irish evangelical preacher dad and a Latina mother from Argentina. With the kind of source material at his fingertips which such a contrast provides, Mullan was clearly destined to be a stand-up. He runs through a solid set of gags in this giddy ride, decorated with trademark voices and sound effects, expertly keeping everyone entertained in a very warm room. 

But every now and then Mullan dips into more serious waters, questioning and worrying about his capacity to love. He notes that he is a single dad to a young child and begins to explore the reasons why he might have intimacy issues. Though the hour is a tight one, you can’t help but feel that there’s another show fighting to get out, one that further explores that desire to hold back on love. Ironically it feels like he’s holding out on us. 

Stephen Mullan: Rascal, Assembly George Square, until 25 August, 7.45pm; main picture: Steve Ullathorne.