Striking the right cord

It's seven years since Marcus Brigstocke last mounted a solo stand-up show. But the contemptuous, corduroy-clad comic who will take to the stage tonight is vastly superior to the young blade who tumbled straight from university into the comedy circuit.

Planet Corduroy is an angry show. Or, at least, a pretty damn miffed one. Using a gently heightened persona of posh disdain, Brigstocke takes on such modern nonsenses as the EU, the war on terror, the special relationship and, best of all, the sort of rapacious loan company that advertises on daytime TV.

And, worse, the sort of desperate fool who welcomes its advances. He gathered some of this material while performing his regular angry rants on Radio 4's The Now Show.

But, just as importantly, his years of sketch and character comedy work, such as We Are History and Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off, plus appearances on panel games such as Have I Got News For You, have made him a versatile, supremely confident performer.

When he started out, he was a gifted mimic without a lot to say. He's always been easy to watch but, if there were an award for Most Improved Stand-up, this sharp, politicised show would grab him the title.

Tonight until Sat, Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre, 51/53 Southwark Street SE1, 8pm, £12.50, £10 concs. Tel: 020 7907 7060. Tube: London Bridge

Marcus Brigstocke - Planet Corduroy