The very funny David O’Doherty is bringing his ‘Tiny Piano Man’ show to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on 1 February, which is good news whichever way you look at it.

I’m always wary when I see a comedian posing with a musical instrument, because I’ve never been a fan of “musical comedy” – not unless the comedian, and their music, is especially good. Bill Bailey, for instance. But I think it’s safe to say that David O’Doherty belongs to the category of “comedians with instruments it’s ok to love”. And, thankfully, he just plays little ditties on his tiny keyboard, the odd verse or so, with the bulk of his act being made up of his stand-up, which is truly stellar. You may have seen him on ‘Live at The Apollo’, ‘8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ or, indeed, 2024’s ‘Celebrity Bake Off’, but give O’Doherty the luxury of a full-show and you’ll see why he’s regarded as one of the top comics on the circuit today. His observational reflections are quirky and never cruel, even when he’s railing at life’s many frustrations, and as pick-me-ups go, this fella is the real deal. GM

David O’Doherty: Tiny Piano Man, Saturday 1 February, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle, 8pm, £26.50, tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk