Anyone offended by Ricky Gervais’s recent Twitter gaffe might want to stop reading. For those familiar with Scottish stand-up Jerry Sadowitz, you know the score.

What new to say about the big-haired, foul-mouthed Sadowitz and his wilfully controversial show? With top hat, sleight-of-hand magic and torrent of verbal sewage, this was – if you had the stomach – a wonderful performer at the top of his game. If, like this reviewer, you’d not got round to seeing this Glaswegian before, you’d be forgiven for underestimating the ferocity. Sadowitz has a silo of bile for everything, from other comedians he hates (hint: all of them), to Guardian-reading liberals, Derren Brown and even farmers. Starting as Joe Pesci-on-speed character Joey Carcinoma before the not-dissimilar curmudgeon bearing his own name, he threw in bad-taste Madeleine McCann and Norwegian killer Anders Breivik references, insulting every race, every minority and, well, everyone, on the way.

The big question is how much bigotry is real and how much is ironic comment? Sadowitz claimed to admire Bernard Manning, but his criticisms of small-mindedness hinted at a greater intelligence, wielding the blunt weapons of swearing, taboo-busting and fury for real effect. Awkward laughter was, as ever, a given.

As our man Jerry put it, “If you were expecting Michael McIntyre, you’ll be sorely disappointed.” This flawless performance was more skilful than anything in the mega-rich McIntyre’s oeuvre, weaving satire, slapstick, observational and character comedy and, erm, simulated masturbation. They say laughter’s the best medicine. The best medicines taste the worst. Point taken.

* Sadowitz is also at Devonshire Park Theatre, in Compton Street, Eastbourne on Nov 10, from 8pm, tickets £18, call 01323 412000.