One of Britain's best known and loved comics, the audience on Friday night, whether or not they've seen Mr Bailey live before, had high expectations.
The quirky 54-year-old, famed for his appearances on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Black Books, Have I Got News for You and QI, was in Manchester on his Larks in Transit tour, based on his 20 years as a travelling comedian.
Strolling onto the stage in an all black ensemble, against a couldn't-be-more-Bill backdrop of a map of the ancient world, the man himself launches straight into Brexit jibes, culminating in a Brexit themed remix of Cliff Richard’s Summer Holiday, which is funny, if brief, without being overly political.
Politician jibes follow, including a hairbrush aided skit of Donald Trump.
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From then on, it's belly laughs with bells on, literally, as the chameleon-like comic incorporates into his routine a panoply of obscure instruments including a theremin, a handpan and a five string blues guitar built from a hardback bible - what else?
Iceland - the country and the stores, being trolled on Twitter over Falafel and the lack of news presenters with West Country accents are all covered with the natural, laid-back air of a funny mate talking to you down the pub.
He's not a frantic run-around-the stage comic and he doesn't need to be. His talent lies in his totally relaxed stage persona.
Then, in Bill's unique style, we move on to the use of birdsong in dance and rap music. If you've ever wanted to know why Nicki Minaj opted for the call of the Loon bird over the puffin in her song: Anaconda, or why certain types of owl just don't cut it, all is revealed.
The second half begins with quotes from a dog-eared Indonesian phrasebook with its hilarious helpful 'everyday' conversations.
Other highlights include tales of dealing with customs in different countries, the similarities between religions and herbs and the uniquely British reactions to emergency situations.
There are too many excellent musical performances to mention but the re-telling of nursery rhyme Old McDonald in the style of Tom Waits and Theresa May speeches over 90s house music are definite standouts.
He then employs a death metal style rock guitar to accompany a banal domestic running commentary, followed by an impressive performance using bells - there is apparently no end to this man's musical talents.
Politics, philosophy and pure surrealism are all covered in a two hour trademark mash-up of comic genius and musical brilliance.
He's not just in transit tonight but in full flight and, thankfully, shows no signs of returning to the earth the rest of us inhabit anytime soon.
