Alison Spittle: Soup ★★★

Soup is the title of Irish comedian, writer and actress Alison Spittle’s latest show. Like most ‘themes’ it’s a loose narrative device that is dispensed with part way into proceedings. However, it does provide a useful metaphor for this hour of giggles. It’s warming and it goes down well. It won’t rock your world but you’ll not regret consuming it.

Spittle isn’t the type of comedian to assault you with rapidfire gags and punchlines. She’s much more conversational than that, finding humour in a range of mundane topics. Soup is one, of course. Bath bombs another. So is having worms, unfortunately. Spittle is also honest about her mental health battles, which in her cosy hands isn’t the downer it could have been.

The soup theme is best employed as a way of Spittle finding out about her audience through their favourite type of liquid food nourishment. Here, she’s quick witted, inventive and playful. In truth, the show could have done with a little more of this spontaneity.

By far the highlight is her recounting a recent trip to Butlins, including the appearance of ‘supergroup’ Boyzlife, made up of the fag ends of Boyzone and Westlife. Here, her skill for storytelling shines.

Early afternoon is the perfect time for a comedian like Alison Spittle. It’s a bit absurd, it’s not going to offend, but there are enough good lines to recall over a pint between shows.