THERE aren't many shows you arrive at to find a freshly baked cookie lying on your seat courtesy of the star of the evening.

But Re:Birth isn't like most shows. Then again, would you expect anything less from Russell Brand a man for whom the term conventional could never apply?

As well as a night of laughs, Brand served up a show that was part confessional, part therapy and part Ted talk.

Inspired by the birth of his daughter Mabel 18 months ago, Re:Birth gives Brand the chance to put forward his theories on life, acknowledging along the way what every parent already knows - having a child is a life-changing experience.

Brand hasn't exactly been a stranger to controversy during his career and manfully he tackles his past - and his addictions - with a directness and frankness that had a packed King George's Hall warming to him even more.

He bounded on stage looking every inch the rock star with black vest top, tight black trousers and wild hair.

Indeed Brand is very much the charismatic front man of his own one-man band.

Behind all the image clearly lurks a highly intelligent individual. The words just pour out of him forcing the audience to concentrate to keep up or just get left behind. References ranging from Greek mythology to the cult of the Illuminati rub shoulders with comments about ketamine and Donald Trump and bizarrely, it all sort of makes sense.

There is an element of the actor about Brand, his delivery style often resembles that of a Shakespearean character in mid soliloquy, and his movements possess an almost balletic grace.

A large video screen was used to show some of Brand's more infamous moments, including his appearance on Newsnight, to which Brand added his own observations.

The audience didn't escape his attentions either. When booking for the show, fans were asked to fill in a questionnaire and amazingly some of them did. Brand then took great delight in turning the spotlight on some of them as he read out some highly intimate confessions.

Slightly less successful was the decision to stay on stage during the interval to pose for photos and sign copies of his new book, conveniently on sale in the venue.

Given that King George's Hall was a virtual sell-out it was a bit of a recipe for disaster as well over half the audience piled down the front to get their Facebook moment.

Half an hour later scores of fans trudged disappointed back to their seats after Brand's tour manager called time on the mutual love-in.

Love him or loathe him, it's not until you see Russell Brand in full cry that you fully appreciate what a force of nature he really is and Re:Birth allows him to play with his public perception and put forward his views on life at the same time.

As the show ended he resumed his marathon signing session with crowds gathered at his feet. You suspect he wouldn't have it any other way.