Frank Skinner & friends, Noel Coward Theatre - review - Comedy - Arts

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Skinner announced this week he is to become a father at the age of 55. Perhaps that explained a slightly distracted air last night. Either that or it was the thought of his beloved West Bromwich Albion battling against Fulham. Yet he did much more than just introduce the acts. After a few years when he seemed to slip from favour, the Three Lions co-author is on a roll, fronting two BBC series, Opinionated and Room 101.

Free from TV's restraints, he relished letting rip onstage, swearing liberally and recalling a sexual encounter in the stalls during a screening of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Beyond the vulgarity, Skinner was a brilliantly eclectic social commentator. He was even partial to some biting satire, suggesting that protesters might be more effective if banner-makers could agree on a font and that he was to appear on Channel 4's The Million Pound Drop "with the boss of RBS".

He was tough to follow. Matt Forde raced nervously through a brief set. Sketch duo Totally Tom, Eton contemporaries of Prince Harry, fared better thanks to their exuberance.

Doc Brown triumphed with his snappy comedy raps, while spoof chav Lee Nelson got cheap laughs mocking national stereotypes.

However, it was easily Skinner's night. West Brom drew but he was a winner. Maybe he wants to add another string to his bow and land a third TV vehicle. After all, he is due to have another mouth to feed.

Until Saturday (0844 482 5141, ticketmaster.co.uk)

Frank Skinner