Alan Davies

Although Sunday Night At The Palladium will mainly be fronted by a number of comedians, this first episode was hosted by the rather bland Stephen Mulhern. I've never really been a fan of Mulhern's and find him to be somebody who is severely lacking in the charisma department. As a result I found this opening episode of Sunday Night At The Palladium to be fairly lacklustre especially when Mulhern was interacting with the audience in some obviously scripted moments. Thankfully the show was saved by the special guests including Bryan Adams who knocked out a couple of hits and Alan Davies who performed a selection of jokes from his new tour. I liked how the variety of acts would appeal to certain members of the family with the kids lapping up Little Mix's performance whilst the older generation probably enjoyed Alfie Boe's warble through a Les Miserables number. Additionally I enjoyed the mixture of memorable names with a couple of variety acts that I'd never encountered before. For example quick change act David and Dania were an unexpected highlight and Canadian novelty trio Les Beaux Feres were equally surprising. I'm sure that Sunday Night At The Palladium will vary in quality depending on who the host is but on the whole I found the opening episode fairly entertaining. More than anything else it's great to see an old-fashioned variety show with features recognisable rather than yet another reality programme in which normal people attempt to find stardom.

Alan Davies interview

Family matters are very much at the heart of Little Victories, Alan Davies' new stand-up show.

Opinon: How important are funny faces in comedy?

Alan Davies recently suggested comedians can be divided into two groups, golfers and self-harmers. I think you can currently divide them into the serious face brigade and the comic face brigade.

Alan Davies: 'I didn't react well to fame.'

Overnight success left the comedian in an emotional mess and unable to do stand-up, but he's finally ready again for the Edinburgh Fringe.

Edinburgh festival Fringe 2014: Alan Davies

The comedian and QI regular's second comeback show is a reflection on childhood.

Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled review

I adored this new show and the many guests on it.

TV review: Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled

The bottom line is that the format works, even if an hour's running time does stretch it to its limits. The guests are well chosen, the atmosphere is relaxed and the anecdotes are very, very funny.

Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled - Review

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best, and Dave have found a winning formula here. The only frustration is that five episodes stripped across a week means it feels like it's over before it began.

Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, TV review

Brilliant bar-room-style show consistently delivers.