There have got to be very few comedians who utter the sentence “You know, it really is a glorious time to be alive” in the first few minutes of their act. And even fewer still who manage to get away without sounding like either a nauseating salesman or a religious fanatic, but Chris Addison does just that.

Bouncing on to Chipping Norton theatre’s tiny stage, he seems genuinely delighted to be there and treats the full house to a brilliant two hours. Overwhelmingly positive and very personal, Addison peppers his act with witty observations about life in Britain and domestic bliss, there are lengthy anecdotes on his inability to succeed at anything athletic, his relationship with his wife and a plethora of other subjects. Chirpy throughout, he devotes a good portion of the set to sparring with the audience, goading them about their town in all its middle classness (“How’s having a Sainsbury’s working out for you? Got a campaign going for a bigger organic section yet?”) and even takes an informal Q&A session as an encore. Cheery as he is, Addison does have bugbears, with Ugg boots and fitness freaks among those he unceremoniously mocks, but it’s all done with a smile and a clear acknowledgement that it is he with the irrational prejudices. Only when he’s lambasting the Daily Mail and outlining his own theory for defeating the BNP does he seem remotely angry, but it’s a fleeting state and is always backed up by a glint in his eye and a big smile. It’s hard to be funny and be happy at the same time, but Addison has found a way.

Having slogged away as a stand-up for more than 15 years, Addison seems to be finally landing the popularity that his talent deserves. Wry, wistful and wholly positive, he’s a joy to watch.