Review by Steve Bennett

Another year, another Edinburgh show from the self-confessed long-haired beardie freak - and what a wonderfully entertaining show it is.

The stage is set. Five mikes and various musical instruments litter the proscenium. The lights dim and the dry ice machine launches into overdrive, and you expect a full Bill Bailey band to enter from the wings.But no band appears. Bailey, talented enough to tackle every instrument alone, enters. From the ceiling.

It's an impressive entrance, but not as impressive as the ensuing 70 minutes. A virtuoso performance of both music and comedy, this superlative show is one of the best things you'll see in Edinburgh this year.

Unafraid to launch off into intellectual and surreal tangents, yet silly enough to gets laughs from a voice sampler, Bailey is a versatile stand-up. Even without the awesome musical aspect, this West Country boy would be a giant of the comedy scene. With it, he sets a standard most other comics would trade their voiceover contracts for.

This new must-see show contains all the elements fans expect, including Bailey's trademark theme tune variations, with a dark twist on the Magic Roundabout intro and a whimsical Irish version of the Countdown clock.

Despite branching out into film acting and second-rate TV quiz shows, Bailey remains one of this country's most accomplished live performers.

Don't miss this chance to see a comedy genius in his natural habitat.

Review date: 1 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett