TV review: Live At The Apollo

The BBC's flagship stand-up show is back for a tenth series. Here's our verdict on episode one.

Comedy showcase Live at the Apollo returned for a tenth series on BBC One tonight, with Joe Lycett, Russell Kane and host Sarah Millican.

Millican kicked off the BBC One show with her own brand of observational comedy, regaling with tales of her new house which she now lives in with her husband, fellow comedian Gary Delaney, and their two cats. Her appearance on the show comes after her latest DVD Home Bird was released this week, and the stand-up used material from the hit tour in tonight’s show.

READ: Sarah Millican interview

The first guest of the night was camp stand-up Joe Lycett, leading with “this is my voice, this is happening”, before singling out an audience member for his shirt. Lycett tells of his spirit animal – ‘Walrus’- and how his personality has changed since he found out this information; mostly inappropriate thoughts about kicking toddlers and how he’d get away with murder.

Russell Kane was next up with broad-stroke stand-up about the difference between the British psyche and – as per a random audience member – the Australian, showing the typical British stiff upper lip compared with the fairly loose-looking Australian impressions. Kane’s observations about British emotions were punctuated by his incessant pacing back and forth across the stage.

A frantic performer, Kane had all but exhausted himself as he left the stage, urging people to “keep supporting live comedy”. We echo that, but make sure to put Live At The Apollo on record, as this series looks set to be the best yet.

Live at the Apollo is on BBC One at 10:35pm on Wednesdays.