NOT many comedy gigs end with a singalong of Danny Boy.

But then, not many comedy gigs are as inspired as that of Peter Kay.

The rising star, best known for his cult Channel 4 sitcom Phoenix Nights and those John Smiths ads, is a true comedy genius and deserves to have roads named after him in his home town of Bolton.

I can't remember the last time I heard people laughing as hard as they did last night at Portsmouth Guildhall. Mostly, it was the near-hysterical laughter of people recognising the delicious absurdities of their own lives, which Kay magnifies to hilarious proportions thanks to his instinctive feel for character and dialogue.

Kay's no-frills act and stage persona probably have more in common with Bernard Manning and the turns who frequent his beloved northern clubs than Ben Elton.

It's the devastating accuracy, and genuine affection, of his observations - on everything from wedding reception buffets to people's embarrassment at paying with small change - that put him in a league of his own.

At this rate, it won't be long before mum's got her bungalow.