Daniel Townes is a small-name comedian with a big talent. He has been a busy man since last I saw him: travelling the world working on his stand-up, making friends with pickpockets in London, getting kicked out of America (Yes, you read that right.).

Even if those last two don’t necessarily sound like much fun, they are at least funny as presented by Townes in an hour of laid-back stand-up (and sit-down).” From doing his own intro (and laughing about it) to musings on the people who call phone-in polls just to register their indecision, Townes comfortably guides his audience through the somewhat rambling pathways of his mind.

In particular, the deportation material is excellent, an example of how real life can be funnier than anything one can make up (and an object lesson in being a smart-arse to authority figures).

There is a lot of interaction with audience members, and Townes dealt well with some slightly tipsy, parroting hecklers, which speaks volumes for the confidence he’s developed.” Onstage, he carries himself with a kind of relaxed ease. Even when the jokes don’t quite come off, you sense he’s enjoying himself. That enthusiasm is contagious.

The Locker Room is an intimate venue, and it really suits Townes’s style. It feels like you’re sitting down with a mate, discussing the ridiculousness of life. I really enjoyed myself, and highly recommend him to anyone tired of seeing the big names coast on their reputations.

Finished reading this article? You might also like:

• Daniel Townes – So Far So What
• Daniel Townes – And Yeah, You Know
• Daniel Kitsonǃ’s – Itǃ’s the fireworks talking