When someone mentions Dara O Briain the first thing that probably comes to mind is “that game show host from Mock the Week and 8-bit”. Some people would probably stick him in the same box as regular TV personalities like Rob Brydon and Alexander Armstrong. But -and I say this with no offence intended to either of those guys- to do that to Dara would be to underestimate him entirely.

Heading to the Hammersmith Apollo (admittedly one of my least favourite comedy venues) I knew that I was down to see a top notch clown but I was really hoping that the regular venue experience wouldn’t take away from the evening as it had on past occasions.

Well credit where credit is due, my night was absolutely made by the two bar-=staff who were working at the very far right of the circle bar. Not only were they fast and friendly they even remembered my drinks order later in the evening! On a night where there were over 3,000 people in attendance that was a level of service that went beyond all expectations. If you are reading this Apollo management, you really need to give those girls a bonus.

We quickly found our seats in the stalls and it was time for the show. Dara walks out and maybe it’s the fact that we are used to seeing him on a small box sat behind a desk but (in my best Mickey from Snatch voice) “Geez he’s a big fella!” He very quickly takes control of the stage like few clowns can but it’s not his size that hits you right out of the blocks, it’s the energy.

Unshackled from auto cues and TV guidelines Dara hits the audience like a train. He delivers his opening anecdotes at a million miles an hour and the punchlines all land. He storms through tales of working with Brian Cox (I feel like Dara and Robin Ince should start a ‘sidekick’s’ support group) and the trials of having the builders in before deciding to engage with the audience and finding comedy gold at the first attempt.

John, the ‘risk analyst’ who sits in the front row of a comedy gig provides the splash of petrol that this fire really didn’t need but definitely helped it burn even brighter.

The second half is just as frenetic as the first with the tale of Dara’s stolen bike and a recent trip to Australia providing some of the most memorable laughs.

This is one incredibly intelligent clown, he performs an entire show plus encore and yet still leaves you wanting more. I hadn’t previously seen Dara O Briain perform a full stand-up show but I am truly glad that on this night I was given the opportunity to.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

@Hammersmith Apollo, London