SOME comedians make a grand, rock‘n’roll entrance. There’s flashing lights, pounding music and a compere announcement.

There’s no fanfare for Jason Manford. He prefers the understated, no-frills approach.

The top stand-up casually strolls on to the stage, picks up the mic and that’s about it.

All that accompanies him for two hours 15 minutes is two bottles of water left on a table.

But that’s all part of Jason’s easy-going charm. He talks to you as if you were his mates down at the Dog and Duck pub. He’s amiable, engaging and quick-witted.

And he’s at his best when he’s indulging in banter with the audience.

He struck comedy gold with Bournemouth Council employee Lucy, who sent her 69-year-old mum to pay additional parking just 40 minutes into the show.

The theme of the night was First World Problems – the minor irritations that blight our daily lives.

And the audience came out with some corkers.

The second half of the show was more traditional with Jason seamlessly working through a slick routine which featured observations on teachers, the perils of parenthood and odd phrases.