Having watched many comedians I can say that none of them start their set very well. Most have an icebreaker, joke to start their set: Neil Masters's joke about being half Italian and half Scottish is not his best joke, but it,s his first joke and should not be judged too harshly. The joke serves its purpose, it gets people laughing and laughing loud, as it did both times at the Guildford Comedy Club. I remember Neil followed his icebreaker, with some very funny material about September 11th, his grandmother and a bit about marijuana suppositories. All were some of the funniest and most original jokes I have heard recently. His adl ibs were great as well.

Bell, January 2003

He seems to be an immensely pleasant bloke. Like a big teddy bear. Unfortunately, he's a shit comic. Two shows in a row at Guildford Comedy Club he did the same crappy gag: "My mother's Italian and my dad's Scottish so I like good food, but I always boil the shit out of it." That one's straight out of the Charles Babbage Joke Engine.

Jason Holdcroft, January 2003

I've seen Neil on many occasions at the comedy club he organises in Ipswich & cannot agree more, he is incredibly bad. Mind you he does make a good compere, 'cos anyone following him has got to be an improvement.

Chris B, June 2002

Neil Masters is great: the best thing to happen to Ipswich. My wife and I have such boring jobs that we really look forward to his club.Along with our friends we have seen almost every show since the club started three years ago, and I must disagree - the shows are top quality and Neil is always funny. Sure, sometimes his new material does not work, though I think all comedians must share that risk. Overall, Neil does a fantastic job running a great club.

Todd Hill, June 2002

Your review of Neil Masters is not just wrong, it's a personal and xenophobic attack. Why diss this man simply because he is American? If you had actually listened to his set you would have learned he is a very funny man who makes clever observations about the UK as well as the rest of the world -- it's all done with intelligence, wit, personality and a twist of the surreal. The mark of a skilful comedian is the ability to pump life and laughter into a cold room; Neil Masters has this rare ability. Recently I watched him work his magic at the Buzz in Manchester; I and the rest of the audience loved the surprising way in which he encored a joke in the middle of his set; a daring move that was rewarded by thunderous applause-- very, very fun the whole time he was on stage. I hope Neil Masters returns to Manchester soon:I think he will be a big star very soon.

Kim Baker, October 2001