No pressure on James Acaster, but I’ve been hearing really good things about his new Edinburgh show, Recognise. Kettering’s very own king of comedy has been getting better and better every year. In fact he has been nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy Award two years in a row. In a world of identikit gagsmiths Acaster has a naturally distinctive style both visually and verbally. He has the look of a Jarvis Cocker geek in his slacks and unexciting shirts, while his delivery is persuasive, precise and full of linguistic flourishes to treasure. Subjects can come from left-field and are always dealt with inventively. Previous shows included a spirited defence of Yoko Ono’s involvement in the Beatles splitting up, while football chants and Mariachi music have offered some light relief. Acaster is also very good on modern masculinity. He used to tell a fantastic tale of becoming embroiled in a lads’ night out that was not really his thing. Students of Edinburgh Award form might also want to note that comedians who are nominated more than once – Al Murray, Russell Kane – have a habit of winning the award. No pressure then. James Acaster is at the Old Queens Head tonight with Tony Law.

James Acaster is at the Pleasance Courtyard from July 30 - August 24. Tickets here.