An endearing Brand of comedy

Russell Brand - aka the hyper presenter of Big Brother's EForum on C4 - began his Yoof Telly career with a late-night MTV slot freaking out tranced-up clubbers with creepy stories.

A motormouth wannabe on the small screen, 'Norf Lahndanna' Brand is surprisingly endearing - and very funny - in real life.

Brand's stand-up show tells of low points along the road to rehab from cocaine and heroin addiction. One incident escalated into a violent ruck, leaving him with a huge scar on his leg, and in another he got his privates out for police officers at a May Day rally.

Painfully cringeworthy, Brand's stories are told with alarming honesty but no self-pity. He isn't looking for forgiveness, it's more like he's finally realised what a twit he was. But, as Brand points out, no matter what dark sin you confess, it's fine, as long as you precede it with: 'To my shame...'.

Warm, human, very jumpy - but no longer because of narcotics - Brand might be OTT as a presenter, but his stand-up is undeniably assured and intelligent.

Until Sat, Soho Theatre and Writers Centre, 21 Dean Street W1, 8pm, £10, £8 concs. Tel: 0870 429 6883. www.sohotheatre.com Tube: Tottenham Court Road/Piccadilly Circus