FRESH from a stint of gorge scrambling in Coniston earlier that day, likeable Josie Long tried out her new ‘work in progress’ show at the Brewery’s Malt Room.

Self-conscious and friendly, she is unlike the majority of bolshy stand-up comedians and has carved out her own niche of ‘whimsical’ comedy based on a seemingly gentle personality and enthusiastic spirit.

With that in mind this show took me by surprise – there was little trace of the silly skits about fancy dress parties and children’s TV on which she trades, replaced by talk of her unhappiness at the Conservative party and the policies of the coalition government.

In using this performance to try out new and unfinished material, Long lost me at times – continually referring to her notes and at one point losing her place, all of which sadly added up to a disjointed performance, with the audience at times painfully silent.

After the show she tweeted on her Twitter page: “Can I say thanks to the audience tonight for being so tolerant? If you ever see me in future I'll give you a voucher for a free soft drink.”

I genuinely wanted to enjoy the show but there were few real laughs here, and, though I hate to say it, I’m not sure I will take her up on that offer.