AS three times host of Have I Got News For You and with regular appearances on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Dara O'Briain's profile is growing. And deservedly so, if the reaction from the audience at South Shields is anything to go by. They knew what to expect from the fast-talking Celtic comic and they were not disappointed.

O'Briain comes across as extremely likeable and witty. He is incredibly polite and even if you're the butt of the joke, you can tell it is all in good humour.

Audience participation is high on O'Briain's agenda and the crowd is key to his act. He doesn't use props, catchphrases or gimmicks and his spontaneous humour is very much of the funny-bloke-down-the-pub style.

O'Briain doesn't really even do gags, rare for a good comedian, but tends to focus on taking the mickey out of people, his background and mainly himself. He discusses current affairs, giving the audience his perspective on recent events, so you can tell the material is as new as possible. He covered religion, politics, immigration and the state of Ireland today.

But you could see the sheer delight in his face when someone admitted they were "sick as a chip" because of the FA Cup final result, which saw Manchester United lose out on penalties.

O'Briain is an Arsenal supporter and to say he rubbed it in is an understatement.

Published: 24/05/2005