Phill Jupitus: Juplicity (MICF)

"If you're here to see that charming man off the telly that flirts with Stephen Fry, you're in for a disappointment," begins British comedy legend Phill Jupitus. "Stage Phill has taken over now, and he's a twat."

Opening with a brilliant song that mocks the anthemic fakery of the Coldplay era, Jupitus shows off the Renaissance-man allure that has made him one of the most loved comics back in his native UK. With a background in music, comedy, acting, poetry, painting and many more artistic endeavours, Jupitus is a versatile delight and a magnetic stage presence to boot. Someone like Jupitus will never lose their heart when it's sewn so securely onto their sleeve.

Juplicity takes the audience on a tour of Jupitus' life; from parenting young adults all the way back to learning the facts of life from his mother in the '70s. At many times throughout the show, punters may suddenly realise how long it has been between actual "jokes", but will be so captivated by Jupitus and his raconteur musings that it simply does not matter. He speaks so fondly of his non-nuclear upbringing (having spent his early years in a pub being brought up by his single mum), and paints a vivid and heart-warming picture of an innocent time gone by. That is until he develops a fascination with pornography at age seven.

Jupitus' filth factor can catch some off-guard, but even his forays into less savoury subject matter are nonetheless incredibly welcoming. He is so skilled at what he does that even phrases like "you've ruined sexism for me" come off as endearing.

Jupitus is a little off the ball in this particular performance of Juplicity, with a touch of jet-lag rubbing a little of the sheen off his usually immaculate timing. However, to see someone so effortlessly personable, playing one of the smaller venues he'll be appearing at, at this point in his career, is a privilege that would be hard to overstate. Jupitus is a rare creature who makes comedy seem like child's play, and to have him back in the country after 30-odd years is an honour akin to those selling out the biggest rooms in the city. Welcome back, Joops. Don't wait so long 'till next time.

Phil Jupitus presents Juplicity till 23 Apr at Arts Centre Melbourne, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.