Jack Docherty has had a much longer, and varied, career than many may be aware of. Having started at the Fringe in his home town of Edinburgh in 1980, he’s been on stage, in front of and behind the camera and as a writer for such legendary TV shows as Alas Smith & Jones, Spitting Image, Vic Reeves and Lenny Henry. Heck, he even had a chat show on Channel Five for a year or so in the late 90’s. But it’s Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson (from Scot Squad) that’s finally given him his oeuvre and the opportunity to roam unrestrained across any subject he cares to choose.
Tonight’s very much like a stand-up routine but in two acts, with an interval. He’s written a book, ‘The Chief: No Apologies’ and treats us to excerpts, ‘treats’ being the operative word for we are privileged to be temporarily in the orbit of such an esteemed defender of decency, narcissism and vanity in full bloom for our delight and delectation. Act one is a joyful ramble in the manner of an after-dinner speech, covering everything from his struggle to join the police force, (overcoming the obstacles of a middle-class upbringing with a Chief Superintendent father) to the street language(s) of Leith. We learn ‘The Miek’s barry in a swedge,’ and end up partaking in a Freddie Mercury call -and-response routine revolving around the vernacular rendition of the question ‘What educational establishment did you attend?’ Very Embra… He had pondered naming his book ‘My Struggle’ but, ambitious for international acclaim, realised its chances of success in Germany might be limited.
The routines come thick and fast; a – redacted – account of time spent with the Royal Family; the opening of a time capsule buried in 1970’s Cambuslang, replete with examples of pop culture from the era’s most dubious presenters and artists; the war on drugs and the alarming news that some animated haddock and frantic crabs might soon be threatening our dinner tables. The account of an early romantic encounter with his wife renders it unlikely you’ll ever look at a sheaf of hotel information leaflets the same way, never mind contemplate a ‘two-for-one’ offer at the local donkey sanctuary.
It’s full of local colour, a modern-day Captain Mainwaring or Alan Partridge. We’re laughing at things The Chief considers ridiculous while thinking him the same.
Reviewer: Roger Jacobs
Reviewed: 22nd April 2026
North West End UK Rating: