The announcement that a comedian is “trying out new material” usually dampens expectations. When said act is Zoe Lyons, however, it only heightens them. While the Hove-based performer’s subject matter was far from radical (gay marriage, UKIP and the Winter Olympics all featured heavily), her cutting observations, enthusiastic manner and exquisite delivery ensured this was a typically polished performance.

Likewise, Joe Wells – who impressed at last year’s Brighton Fringe – maintained the high standard with a politically-charged set which, cleverly, was more devilishly deadpan than desperately ranting.

Speaking of the latter, guitar-wielding James McDonnell proved he is the master of cranking up the volume and onstage hyperactivity. While he displayed some disturbingly funny lyrics, his brazen bluster is best experienced in short doses.

Holly Walsh, by comparison, could captivate a crowd for hours. Half the battle of stand-up is looking like you belong on stage. Walsh might as well pitch a tent on it. There was nothing forced or fake as she skipped through subjects as diverse as her recent marriage, the dangers of schoolgirls booking strippers to appear at Pizza Express and dog poo conspiracies. There’s nothing underhand here though; Walsh is undoubtedly headline material.