Review by Steve Bennett

What a bizarre pairing this is - two completely separate acts thrown together for a very awkwardly-conceived show.

Aggressive Sunderland minicab driver Mad Mack is the comic creation of Barrie Hall. Alfie Joey is an impressionist.

And like the cut-and-shunt job that Mack undoubtedly drives, their two acts have been welded together for an ungainly hybrid of Taxi Driver and The King Of Comedy.

We get precious little insight into the world of Mad Mack. Instead the unsubtle plot demands this Geordie Travis Bickle become a stalker, appearing on numerous TV shows, and thus showcasing the mimicry talents of his co-star.

Joey is not the most accurate impressionist in the world, but his well-observed, exaggerated mannerisms do have great comic potential ­ his Robert Kilroy-Silk being especially noteworthy.

These spoofs completely overshadow the potentially interesting Mad Mack character, who we learn precious little about, and leave the whole show distinctly unbalanced.

I was left with the definite impression (sorry) that this evening was compiled for expediency, rather than any valid comedy reason.

Review date: 1 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett