Scott Agnew: Something's Gotta Give

There are points during Scott Agnew’s lively but ill-disciplined set when it seems like the gallus Glaswegian has accidentally lurched into routines from previous shows.

The towering comedian has material about the London Olympics, which took place exactly a year ago, as well as about the filming of movie World War Z in Glasgow during August 2011. When he starts a riff about being named Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2008 you wonder how far back he intends to travel – perhaps some jokes about the sinking of the Belgrano?

It wouldn’t be so much of a problem if he was providing a unique take on events, but jesting that it was difficult to tell the difference between the fake zombies and real junkies on the George Square film set is hardly a massively original comic leap.

When Agnew dips into his “life as a luckless bastard” things improve considerably. Railing against the frustrations of everyday living—such as rip-off food at music festivals and bus timing—he shines. His irritation is infectious, as The Man wins at every juncture.

There’s also some pleasingly filthy chat about his love life (he self-consciously and unnecessarily introduces himself as “a gay act” at the top of the show), including a tale concerning an eye-watering sexual injury.

The show title refers to a recent run of bad luck in love, life and money. “This year I’m not giving a fuck,” he rants in return. It’s an attitude that seems to have bled into his comedy.