A theatrette in the State Library is a strange place for a comedy gig. With its large screen and lectern, it looks as if somebody is about to give a lecture – but Andy Muirhead does anything but. Host of Collectors on ABC TV, Muirhead gives us a lovely collection of anecdotes and observations, his topics ranging from politics to adventures at a wooden boat show.

It’s hard to imagine anyone disliking Andy Muirhead. He’s like an earnest, daggy, high-school nerd grown up and made good. He celebrates the similar nerdiness of the crowd he attracts – he’s inordinately pleased by how many of us know what TARDIS stands for. The audience is an ‘ABC Saturday-night crowd’, as Muirhead acknowledges, and its members range in age from their early twenties to octogenarians. They love him. And why not? He’s an easy guy to love.

There were some technical problems with Muirhead’s microphone the night I attended, but when he abandoned it he could still be clearly heard. Some audience members might see the venue as a little officious, but it could be seen as a welcome contrast to the poky little clubs and bars which often typify the smaller comedy festival shows.

Some of the targets of his humour are a little easy – like Therese Rein’s wardrobe – but in general Andy’s observations are interesting and amusing. His manner is so genial and enthused that even on the rare occasions he says something off-colour, it’s impossible to be offended.

I’ve never watched Collectors before, but I might just start after this.