Self-deprecating Russell has last laugh

Review

Russell Howard has come a long way since he entered a comedy competition as a teenager. Indeed, he’s now fronting his biggest ever tour.

Round the World does what it says on the tin, and the comedian is one month into his mammoth journey which will finish in Australia.

The AECC might not stand as the ultimate location, but self-depreciating Howard isn’t one to stand on ceremony.

His Right Here Right Now tour saw him play to more than 200,000 people and with stints on Mock the Week not to mention his own show – Russell Howard’s Good News – the audience was prepared for a belter of a night.

Howard didn't disappoint with altogether more grown up material if that's possible in the world of comedy.

He kicked the night off with tales of his previous night's show in Glasgow where a fight broke out, before expressing his love for Aberdeen with an almost convincing accent. The wonderful thing about Howard is his ability to poke fun at himself, which he did by the bucket load.

Stories of his “eccentric" family were warm and hilarious, and provided a constant theme of the bonds which shape us. He also used the show as a social commentary on the numerous issues which youngsters are faced with today. In his own words, he wanted to use his place on the stage to do good, and his observations had people roaring in agreement. From the impact of social media to the alarming rise of self-harm for young women, he was repeatedly insightful. He provided a poignant reminder as to the importance of laughter in times of great turmoil. Politics, relationships, even death – no stone went unturned in Howard's unique take on the world. At heart he remains the young lad with a lazy eye from Bristol, who on his own admission was horrendously bullied. Unpolished, bright, and with a universal appeal, he's clearly had the last laugh.

Russell Howard wants to use his stage act to do good