Review by Steve Bennett

Usually billed, somewhat misleadingly, as a magician, Cannelloni is really a good old-fashioned end-of-the pier variety act who wouldn't look out of place on Sunday Night At The London Palladium. The magic, such as it is, is just one of any number of props and gimmicks he uses to jolly his act along.

Aside from the Tommy Cooper-inspired collection of inept tricks, the set relies on a catalogue of punny one-liners, many of them purposefully groanworthy, that fair zing along.

Compare this pacy banter with a liking for children's party-style balloon stunts, and you'd be forgiven for thinking this act was going to be light entertainment hell.

But thanks to Cannelloni's zippy, self-deprecating patter and knowing, absurd humour, it turns out to be a full-on pantomime of unadulterated, if unsophisticated, fun from an instantly likeable performer.

Review date: 28 Jan 2004
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett