Daniel’s back in town with a great sense of timing

May 22 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DANIEL Kitson is widely regarded as the best stand-up in the country.

He may not be as famous as Jimmy Carr or as well-known as Peter Kay, who helped to propel him to stardom in Phoenix Nights.

But he has the admiration of his peers and audience alike, judging by the response the Huddersfield-born comedian received at the Lawrence Batley Theatre last night.

I saw him at the Huddersfield Students Union in 2000, one of many comedians who gave live stand-up nights there – and his is the only name I can recall.

There are several reasons for this; one of them is because he jumped 20ft off the union balcony after being encouraged to do so by an audience who wanted more.

Secondly, and as a result, he did an extra 30 minutes until the doormen called time.

But there was none of that when his tour “The Impotent Fury of the Privileged” arrived in town.

As he told the audience: “At the end of the set, there will be no encore. Like most people I just go home after work.”

The Denby Dale comedian made no comment about life in Huddersfield, with the exception of being labelled a “country mouse” shortly after moving to London.

But his set was full of life observations of the world that were highly amusing.

From helping a pensioner and saving the world to his dislike of hoodies on the bus, much of his one hour 45 minute set had the audience in tears of laughter.

It takes a great comedian to point out the blindingly obvious without sounding preachy.

Kitson clearly loves performing and telling stories. Judging by the audience reaction, people clearly enjoy listening to them too.