The Ealing Comedy Festival is a veritable veteran of pocket-sized festivals, currently celebrating its 17th birthday. No sign of it being a sulky teenager, though, with the big top hosting some lively line‑ups.

Last night’s bill was probably the strongest, a cocktail of shocks, rising stars and reliables. Compere Rufus Hound is clearly an act on the up. He might resemble a well‑fed Simon Pegg but he has a distinctive chummy style, effortlessly warming the crowd.

Not that they needed warming when the surprise guest turned out to be Harry Hill. The TV Burp star was rusty, yet still excellent, delivering a particularly pithy put‑down to a bearded fan: “If you want to keep your teeth warm, get a scarf like everybody else.”

Momentum was sustained by unashamedly mainstream ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and headliner Stephen K Amos was equally amiable. Predictable stuff, singling out students and Aussies and trotting out familiar feelgood riffs but it worked brilliantly.

If laughter is the best medicine Amos should be prescribed by the NHS for his healing powers. Last night he certainly had formidable Ealing powers.
Festival runs until Friday (0871 620 4016: www.seetickets.com).