"SOME of these jokes may require some background reading," says a very wry Simon Munnery.
Indeed, listening to Mr Munnery is an education in itself. Through his erratic and tenuously flowing comedy routine, you learn a great deal about life, death, Greek mythology and how to murder a dog.
Over the course of two hours the audience is carried along on a meandering train of thought, taking in some existential one-liners, a psychological analysis of why dogs don't commit suicide, and an ironic attack on atheism as Munnery's right hand becomes possessed by the mind of Richard Dawkins.
Through a blend of slapstick, song and self-referentialism, Munnery gradually picks tiny holes in traditional comedy. "Anyone here from anywhere?" he asks, mocking his lazy observational peers. "Anyone here ever noticed anything?"
There is little doubt that here is a brilliant but under-celebrated comedy veteran. Sadly, his reputation is as obscure as his act. When explaining the art of understanding distance he says, "if you don't understand perspective then I'm amazed you made it here, but looking around the room most of you didn't." It rings true with a pang, as this undersung hero deserves an audience.