Ladies and gentlemen, says a voice from offstage, put your hands together for a man who has to introduce himself...

Andy Parsons has established himself as a top comedian with regular appearances on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, so it’s a brave fan who sits in the front row.

Immediately Parsons starts banter with students Simon and Liam. Simon’s in a hoodie and his full head of hair is gelled.

Andy Parsons is mock offended - “already having a go at the bald man” he says, before turning his attack on bankers.

Questioning why the government wants to fast-track them through training to be teachers he points out how delighted teachers must be by that. My wife claps along.

“Be better if they trained them to be bankers!” he says.

Like spending a couple of hours with an old pal, the evening passes enjoyably. We tackle terrorism, retirement, the dreaded credit crunch and wonder if the Tamil Tigers have seen a rugby league club’s PR company – what next? Al Qaeda Rhinos? Great fun.

Chris Parnell