Tom Goodliffe: The Good Liffe

During his gentle afternoon show, Tom Goodliffe acknowledges a previous review that suggested he could afford to go up an extra gear and perhaps then he could become something special. We have to concur.

It's a bit of a mystery as to what is missing from this hour. Perhaps the venue is partly to blame. Cabaret Voltaire is what one could politely describe as a “challenging space” and might not suit Goodliffe's charming lo-fi stylings, but then its sightlines and seating arrangement aren't ideal for anyone.

Then there is the question of shtick. The show is mainly made up of quick doodles, sketches of information about his family background and his working life before comedy. Into the gaps fall the general jokes about his height (6'6”) and accountants, a rap about his beloved maths and a list of pet peeves - a classic standup shorthand.

What this all adds up to is a good defence of cerebral pursuits and it is in no way a smug, easy or blunt dismissal of office life, but it lacks a consistent rhythm. There's a feeling that Goodliffe could expand upon his subject matter and colour it in better as extended stories.

He certainly has the demeanour, the patience and the promise of gravitas to become a good storyteller, should he choose to go down that road. Either way his current act seems cluttered with a range of devices, a mix he might want to change for next time.