AT the grand old age of 32, comedian and pop presenter Simon Amstell has decided that the cheeky “young Simon” is no more. After catching a reflection of himself in skinny jeans and hoodie, Amstell was convinced he had turned into “creepy Uncle Simon”.

His latest stand-up tour, Numb, marks this change in his life, wardrobe and how he perceives himself. Like his acclaimed BBC sitcom, Grandma’s House, Amstell builds the jokes around his own shortcomings.

He sheepishly clung to the stage in his new garb of baggy trousers and linen shirt as a self-styled “poet and travelling genius” rather than as creepy Uncle.

His material comes across as less observational comedy and more self-flagellation. He particularly dwells on the missed opportunities from his abstinence from drink, drugs and sex.

While the packed concert halls were not rolling in the aisles, they politely listened to his tales of London showbiz parties and spiritual retreats in Peru. The lack of laughter left Amstell somewhat frustrated at the Poole audience, but I think it was because they were generally concerned for his well-being.

Despite his witty and engaging stand-up style, the show took itself a pinch too seriously. Norwegian support act Daniel Simonsen deserves a mention for his downright bizarre jokes that with a bit of polish could be incredibly funny.