****

WITH Northern charm in abundance, Jason Manford could not help but please the crowd with a night of comedy anecdotes, misunderstandings and audience banter.

The star of Eight Out Of 10 Cats, Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You immediately received a warm reception, and soon after belly laughs, from the almost sold-out theatre.

The cheeky chappy comic had the audience in stitches with a refreshing complete lack of pretension, becoming the butt of most jokes and frequently setting the audience into raucous laughter.

It was not always what he said but the way he said it that got the audience howling. Topics ranged from parenting to hanging out with celebrity pals. The upbeat material could have seduced even the hardest-hearted cynic.

Despite forays into television, radio and musicals, Manford appeared most at home on the stand-up stage where his razor sharp wit really shone.

Among some expert observations were some unashamedly silly jokes and a couple of predictable moments. However, Manford's personality, wit and charming delivery still had the crowd rolling in the aisles.

A special mention should go to the excellent support act, Canadian comic, Allyson June Smith, whose set included a hilariously spot on Britney Spears impression.