A LARGE majority of the Regent's audience would have probably been more familiar with watching Simon Amstell interview pop stars on T4's Popworld, or hosting the popular comedy quiz show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Naomi Cassidy

'Do Nothing'-Simon Amstell, Ipswich Regent on Friday

A LARGE majority of the Regent's audience would have probably been more familiar with watching Simon Amstell interview pop stars on T4's Popworld, or hosting the popular comedy quiz show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

However on Friday night, it was his chance to shine as a solo comic performing stand-up, and I don't know if he actually had the audience with him all the way.

The show focused on his loneliness, insecurities, and hapless encounters in his search for his perfect man-which is 'young, skinny and vulnerable'.

His intelligent, confessional humour, was weaved superbly into his stories, which revealed that Amstell, like many comedians, is an incredibly self-deprecating and introspective character. Much of what he observes are situations that most people could relate to, like not living in the moment (as he ran down the Champs-Elysees thinking 'this will make a good memory'), and putting up with going to the same nightclub in Romford, Essex, for three years, not realising how close London was.

Despite many laughs, it did not feel that he was really connecting with the audience, and vice versa.

Perhaps it was his pre-conceived ideas about Ipswich that did not make us fall in love with him. When a joke about the BNP did not get a massive laugh, Amstell then began implying we were 'his' (Nick Griffin's) followers. Not the best way to get everyone on board.

Or maybe it was the fact that he was slightly out of his comfort zone, and is yet to find his feet as a big-name comedian, coping with large crowds like Ricky Gervais.

Whatever the reason, there is certainly plenty to look forward to from Amstell as he is incredibly talented and can only improve with experience.

A special mention must go out to his support act, Arnab Chanda, who was one of the best warm-up comedians I have ever seen. So enjoyable was his set that you almost forgot Amstell was due on. Definitely one to watch out for.

Naomi Gornall