WELL, he can't have solved all the First World Problems since last November's brace of Barbican shows because jaunty Salford Jason Manford returns there with problems still piling up.

Expect another show full of anecdotes, comical misunderstandings and audience banter, in which Manford will “essentially moan about everyday life, but with punchlines”.

Unlike television, live comedy puts him in total control. “On stage, you’re everything,” he says. “You’re the boss. You’re the performer, writer, editor, director. You’re even Ofcom. You decide what to say. It’s brilliant.”

Misery will not be on the Manford agenda at York Barbican, but behind the laughter, the show title does make a more serious point. "I’d seen the phrase First World Problems online and liked it; it just sums up so much, I think,” he says.

“The phrase emphasises those times when we moan about the most trivial things. It’s as if we invent problems so we have something to moan about. I imagine someone in the Third World just thinking that we’re all complete idiots.”

The problem-solving show is suitable for over 16s only. Tickets are on sale on 0844 854 2757 or at yorkbarbican.co.uk; on the day, the box office opens at 5pm and the doors at 6.30pm.