THIS was very much a low-key affair – that’s not to say it didn’t have merit, but it was a slow burner that never really caught fire.

The engaging Matt Rudge, documentary-maker and comedian, gave us half an hour of his time, mostly perceptive observations on what annoys him and his inadequacies in the macho world.

Then came the lugubrious Canadian Francis with an expected onslaught of deadpan one-liners as seen on Mock the Week and various TV shows.

But maybe he was slightly off form, or the audience reaction was too subdued or it is simply his schtick, but he didn’t seem to be enjoying himself.

There were hilarious moments, many totally unsuitable for repetition here, but it wasn’t a relentless gag-fest for an hour. That would probably be too much for anyone (except Tim Vine) and Francis occasionally meandered into various attacks on the likes of the Bible, Loose Women, the Catholic church and Peter Andre as well as using a few audio effects.

Thus it was a night for chuckles, but anyone who shouts out ‘AEIOU’ then says he has irritable vowel syndrome is all right with me.