For someone whose reputation is built on deadpan humour, Sean Lock put on a surprisingly slapstick show for an appreciative crowd at Ipswich's Corn Exchange.

Sean Lock

Ipswich Corn Exchange

For someone whose reputation is built on deadpan humour, Sean Lock put on a surprisingly slapstick show for an appreciative crowd at Ipswich's Corn Exchange.

Best known for his appearances on Channel 4's Eight Out of Ten Cats, Lock's act was closer to the observational surrealism that pervaded his under-rated sitcom Fifteen Stories High than quiz show banter.

Few who attended would have expected a slew of animal impressions - the monkey was a particular favourite - and the second-half mid-joke costume change seemed to shock even Lock himself, but all hit home well.

Topics ranged from the modern habit of labelling pub toilets in cryptic ways to the ease with which the Government's fixation with childhood obesity helps single out fat kids for bullying.

Lock seemed a little lost at times, particularly when relying on audience response, and himself admitted to “unravelling” when the crowd surprisingly admitted to not being that bothered about global warming if it meant more “warm bonfire nights”.

But he is rare among current comics in being able to be curmudgeonly without being bitter, and has a warmth that carried that audience along with him.

He also deftly sidestepped a mention of prostitution by an audience member, a sensitive topic that led to Sean Hughes coming so unstuck at the same venue.

You always go to a comedy gig expecting to laugh. Lock certainly delivered that, and surpassed expectations with both the style and range of his humour.