Tom Deacon

Greg Davies is probably best known to viewers as the fuming, frothing sixth-form teacher in The Inbetweeners, but he proves just as entertaining (and excitable) telling his own gags. This final stand-up session - it's Dave's answer to Live at the Apollo - takes place at the Severn Theatre in Davies' home town of Shrewsbury, and Davies drags a mortified old schoolmate out of the audience to make his point that, for him, puberty was evidently as dull, humiliating and rib-tickling as it is portrayed in the teen sitcom. Davies is even funnier on the woes of reaching middle age as, fortunately for us, he isn't too old to stop making silly faces and creepy voices. Also performing are hotly tipped newcomer Tom Deacon who describes the trials and tribulations of moving in with your girlfriend and her "comfies"; and less lucky in love, if equally witty, Roisin Conaty on living with her nan.

The BBC deserve an ambivalent shrug for The Rob Brydon Show, which is, at best, objectively "alright". Faint praise is the dullest weapon in the critic's armory, but it's all this lighthearted chat show deserves.

Last time Brydon presented something in this vein he was in character as hapless cuckold Keith Barrett of Marion and Geoff renown. This time he's being himself, the likeable, witty, waspish Welshman whose eagerness to please is as endearing as it is occasionally overbearing - during his opening "banter with the audience" segment, I thought his unfunny Pingu impression was never going to end.

There is, to its credit, something pleasingly old-fashioned about the programme's format. Oddly, what it reminded me of most was - pace Wogan and Harty - Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge, starring Steve Coogan. But whereas that was a parody of traditional chatter-tainment, this is the real, undemanding deal.

So, a few gags, a sycophantic chat with a showbiz chum - David Walliams doing his lazy faux-camp schtick - a self-indulgent duet with a musical hero - Tom Jones - and a showcase for an up-and-coming comic - Tom Deacon, a nondescript child. And, inevitably, as many impressions as Brydon can cram in. If Jones' involvement was anything to go by, expect future guests to include others the host can "do". Ronnie Corbett is probably ironing his cravat as we speak.

A long overdue solo vehicle for the likeable Rob Brydon - one of our finest comedy actors (see his scene-stealing turns in Gavin & Stacey and supporting roles for the likes of Steve Coogan and Julia Davis), and also a gifted stand-up and impressionist (the latter of which he demonstrated hilariously in the 2005 film A Cock and Bull Story). The format is knowingly cheesy, with Brydon chatting in matey style to his main guest, before breaking off for a short set by a comedian and interlude from a musician - with whom the host is invariably tempted to join in.

Chat shows stand or fall by the quality of their guests and tonight's are top-drawer. Main conversationalist is "Dame" David Walliams, who discusses his marriage to model Lara Stone and obsession with James Bond, then reads from his recent children's book. Walliams also answer questions from Twitter users (token nod to being modern, there) and the studio audience - which sweetly includes his mother. The musical guest is Sir Tom Jones, who performs a song from his acclaimed gospel album Praise & Blame. The only weak link is the set by young stand-up Tom Deacon, but it would be churlish to complain about Brydon championing a rising comedian each week. At times this opening show has the slight awkwardness of a first date, but all in all, it's a comfortingly cosy and entertaining half-hour.

A quick survey of TV Towers revealed that Rob Brydon can do no wrong - even if he took a lawn mower for a drive through a convalesence centre for lame chicks. From the brilliant Marion and Geoff to his turn as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, Rob's been nothing less than sublime, and so we're jolly pleased he's been given his own chat show. In this first episode his guests are David Walliams, Sir Tom Jones and rising comedian Tom Deacon, all of whom look as if they're having loads of fun. In no time, you'll be struggling to remember that Jonathan bloke who used to host a chat show on a Friday night...

Rob Brydon's got his own chat show! What's it like? Well, after a cringeworthy opening intro, not too bad - 'Dame' David Walliams gives good value banter, promising young stand-up Tom Deacon does a entertaining short set, plus Tom Jones joins Brydon to duet on a couple of rock songs. All very chummy.

Tom Deacon to serve up Sunday show on Radio 1

Comedian and presenter Tom Deacon is joining BBC Radio 1 to present a new Sunday night show, it has been announced today.