Lee Evans, NIA, Birmingham

The name of the tour is ‘Big’ and Lee Evans brings big laughs on a big stage.

The packed National Indoor Arena had rock concert giant screens, lights and smoke machines.

Evans rose out of the stage to deafening music but soon brought things down to earth and makes it feel as intimate as any other comedy club show. The trademark sweat dripped from Evans as he came flying out of the blocks.

Topics on the list to be spun into laughs included the staples of modern living such as Facebook, self- service tills, mobile phones, dishwashers and 24-hour supermarket shopping, which threw up some of the funniest moments.

Speed dating is also lampooned in a theatrical segment during the first half of the nearly three-hour show – all to feature in a DVD of the tour out on November 24.

Despite being around for a while Evans showed no signs of slowing up and dashed up and down the stage pulling the funny walks and gurns as he has done all of his career.

Had he relied on these gimmicks alone he would not be where he is today – a top comedian, film star and serious theatre actor.

The NIA was rolling in the aisles for Evans last night.

He is at the NIA until Sunday and again on Friday 17 October.