ZOE Lyons and Seann Walsh used this show to try out completely new material written that day.

Walsh’s performance was faintly shambolic, although he seemed genuinely a little disconcerted at the sight of the soundman bathed in sinister green light.

Lyons began by tossing cue cards across the floor then inviting an audience member to select the next snippet for her to riff on.

Balancing herself in an on-your-marks stance, she then belched with anxiety whilst attempting to recreate the nerve-wracking experience of a school sports day race.

Lyons launched into asides in a range of accents, occasionally commenting on gags that hadn’t quite worked or warning the audience of a really, really terrible joke she was about to attempt. As a result, the expectant hush was broken by a series of spontaneous giggles from crowd and performer alike, giving a sense that we were all in it together.

The mischievous repetition of Olive The Friendly Python – “It’s the python part I have a problem with!” – caused a growing wave of chuckles as the story unfolded.

Whether ranting about Justin Bieber or questioning the attraction of lesbian mermaids, Lyons is a wonderfully likeable stand-up performer.

Hopefully the final version of her show will maintain this high level of zingy spontaneity.