Richard McKenzie is a great big scary-looking man who, it turns out, is lovely. And so is his show. A Sting in the Tale is a tribute to Richard’s father who died during last years comedy festival, which doesn’t sound like a funny start to a show but if you give Richard the time, he will give you the comedy.

Tales of Richard’s father serve as a jumping off point for digressions and asides, taking the audience from the trenches of World War One to back stage at a U2 concert and in search of buried treasure. It is a warm-hearted journey, much like pushing the chairs back after Christmas lunch and working though the family story highlight reel.

It is much to Richards credit that this premise even works, we all have stories about how mad and stupid our families are, why pay to hear someone else’s? Because of Richard; his stage presence is magnetic, a real, personable charisma, like a dodgy black sheep uncle telling you what your dad used to be like. His performance is filled with light and shade, a rare find in a stand-up comic. When the material calls for emotion, he has it in spades, the wounds still appear fresh, even if he just building to the next laugh. A Sting in the Tale displays with a bite but leaves you wanting to call your dad and ask what he did today.

Finished reading this article? You might also like:

• Daniel Moore – Tale of Two Cities
• Richard McKenzie: Digger
• Adam McKenzie in I Know You Are But What Am I?