Any lesser comedian would lazily play the title of this show and superficially squeeze as many laughs from its obvious irony.

Not Arthur Smith - in the hands of this well seasoned raconteur and expert comedian this was a loving crafted homage to his genuine hero.

The tragi-comic personal tales of light and dark which were spliced throughout the evening illuminated Cohen’s poetic lyrics, in turn reflecting and amplifying Smith’s deep understanding of the human condition.

Pathos, classic gags, an overdeveloped sense of fun in the face of adversity, and a performance confidence derived from decades of experience have evolved into his own lyrical style; profane, irreverent occasionally crude but always delivered with a delicious turn of phrase exemplified by throw away quips such as: “enthusiasm is the first resort of the untalented”.

This self-aware maturity saved the show from mawkish over-sentimentality.

Nothing was off limits, the content spanned death, depression, beauty, despair and even the appalling poetry of Leonard Nimoy.

With glamour supplied in abundance by the Smithereens, his backing band of subtly understated but uber-talented chanteuse and musicians; Kirsty, Carrie and Ali, the aural texture was as rich as the comic content.

If you liked your comedy tender, uplifting and deep this was the show for you!