'We've all become Thatcher's children,' reckons jobbing comic Hal Cruttenden, who merrily makes something like two grand a gig on the corporate circuit. Mark Thomas, naturally, begs to differ. And that's the beauty of this opening episode of a three-part documentary: it takes a very timely look at the business of comedy - bigger than it's ever been, surely - from all sides. It's also very funny, especially when established comedians, who undoubtedly deserve credit for even discussing the issue, grapple with their consciences as they explain themselves for doing what some might regard as selling out. A corporate gig is good practice for working a tough audience, says Jo Brand; doing adverts (or 'content-driven engagement platforms', as one suit now calls them) buys writing time, protests John Cleese; Rhod Gilbert, meanwhile, has bailed out of them altogether, his nerves and self-image unable to take it any more. The astronomical fees may simply reflect supply and demand, but it doesn't make the reality any more edifying. Engrossing, nonetheless.

Host Greg Davies roams the Apollo like an angry giraffe, railing against the perils of being middle-aged, which include having an underpants emergency just before he was due to go on stage. There's a long, discursive rant about a hideous taxi journey with a cab driver, which involved an existential discussion about the nature of "pies", before things get quieter with charming guest Hal Cruttenden. He has a good riff about the similarities between Germany and Dr David Banner in The Incredible Hulk. The evening ends with Simon Evans, who makes jokes about hen parties and fat people.

This week's new live comedy

Paul Foot: Kenny Larch Is Dead, Roisin Conaty: Lifehunter, Hal Cruttenden: Tough Luvvie.

Hal Cruttenden interview

The Sun interviews Hal Cruttenden about his new Fringe show.

Hal Cruttenden interviews Jarred Christmas

Last week, we asked circuit king Hal Cruttenden some questions. This week, he got the chance to ask Jarred Christmas some questions.

A night in the life of Hal Cruttenden

If you ever hear a comedian say they're "doing a Cruttenden", they're referring to ace stand-up Hal Cruttenden, and it means they're dashing around town cramming in as many paid slots as possible. Earning their keep. And nobody gigs harder than Hal.

Hal Cruttenden: Why I'm staying at home

As comedians flock to Edinburgh, festival veteran Hal Cruttenden explains why he won't be joining them.

Hal Cruttenden: on touring

Roly-poly funnyman Hal Cruttenden explains why he's making the most of the final chance to be a posh, middle-class comic before Armageddon strikes.

Noel Fielding, who looks like a cross between Sandie Shaw and Russell Brand, is tonight's headline act. But the Bristol audience isn't sure how to deal with him. There's a bit of reserve and possibly even bafflement in the applause. Which is perfectly understandable, as Fielding's brand of delicate surrealism withers under the glare of a broad-brush comedy show. Much more mainstream are John Sessions lookalike Hal Cruttenden, who does a very good camp Alexander the Great; Seann Walsh and his routine about why people don't use moving walkways in airports; and Mike Gunn, who makes jokes about his wife. But, as always, it's McIntyre the audience has really come to see and he wins them over completely with his impression of a rail ticket inspector and his account of reading the bedtime story on CBeebies.