FOR a well established stand-up, the concept of Setlist should be something to avoid. Billed as 'comedy without a net', this is where carefully written routines get left behind, and an act is created on the spot using words that appear on the screen behind them.

Imagine karaoke where you don't know the song and you're almost there.

The first comic, Matt Kirshen, seemed nervous, but soon showed himself to be a skilled improviser, flitting effortlessly between subjects as the screen changed. Paul Foot was next and the Setlist concept seemed tailored for his surreal style. His rambling delivery appeared to be providing him thinking time.

Tom Stade had sections of the crowd laughing but only out of shock rather than anything actually funny - like a kid shouting 'bum' to impress his classmates.

The biggest cheer came for Rufus Hound, who proved that there is more to him than TV panel shows. He was the most relaxed performer of the first half and is a seasoned improviser.

Adam Bloom, despite a nervy opening, actually drew the biggest laughs of the night. Although no detail of his act can be quoted in a family newspaper.

Headliner Rich Hall started as he meant to go on, using his familiar shouty style to suggest a slogan for The Cornerhouse that their PR team probably won't be using.

He directed his entire set at a student in the front row, punctuating each line with 'don't look around like I'm not talking to you!'

Hall has an apparent disdain for the Setlist concept, so much so that his final punchline picked from the bucket was passed around the crowd, so we could each have our own private laugh.