Alan Davies must surely be one of nature’s naturally funny people, delivering the big laughs time after time. His trademark wry smile is infectious, as is his propensity to laugh out loud at his own jokes and to chortle along with the punters. 

After a 10-year break from stand-up performances, Davies’ new show, Think Ahead, reveals another side to the man best known from TV detective series Jonathan Creek and as the longstanding lynchpin of QI.

Those who have read his no-holds-barred memoir, Just Ignore Him, will have some knowledge of his traumatic experiences as a child, and now he has drawn on what happened during those early years to provide a chunk of the material for this show. This is unlikely subject matter for a comedian, without doubt - and indeed, this section of the routine is a long way from being comedy. At times it verges on the uncomfortable (how could it do otherwise?) yet Davies’ bravery in telling of his experience can only be applauded - and he makes it abundantly clear that this is only part of his story. 

The show as a whole is a joyous and witty reflection of life in the 21st century for a man of a certain age who, as he’s quick to tell us, is spending a lot more time in the pharmacy these days.

Davies’ life as a married man, a father, and a member of society seemingly a little at odds with modern life, provides rich pickings for a comedy routine. ULEZ, the antics of his young son, conspiracy theories about the death of the late Queen, the changing nature of his correspondence from the NHS; all form the basis for a series of rib-ticklers, but it is his perfect timing and faultless delivery that reflect Davies’ true skill. Even the fact that the theatre staff have thoughtfully removed the top from his bottle of water prompts entertaining reflections about why they might have done this, and improvised banter with the audience at the beginning of the show sets the scene for a performance that is bound to delight. 

The rave reviews gathered so far for Think Ahead are no surprise; the current tour comes on the back of sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer and is destined to delight audiences around the country for the rest of the run. 

After several years away from performing stand-up, it is safe to say that Alan Davies is back with a bang!

Four stars

Alan Davies: Think Ahead was reviewed by Rachel Smith on Monday 29 September at Birmingham theatre The Alexandra.
Alan returns to the region to play Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday 17 October.