Review by Steve Bennett

Pete Monaghan is that rare thing - a slightly nervous Australian - whose definition of a good life is "It's free... It's fun... It  doesn't hurt anyone..."

That slogan pretty much describes his show which, although not free, is worth the price of admission if there's nothing better on.

His is one of a new breed of internet-researched shows, a genre which  has its good and bad points. He basically decided to write a show about making wishes and did all his research on Google.

This has come up with some gems as the fact that even though chimney sweeps are meant to be good luck, the Bratislava Institute of Chimney Sweeps burnt down - due to a blocked chimney.

However, he has come a cropper when he talks about genies. This section falls flat because he found out genies originate in Persia and Monaghan has read somewhere that Persia is now called Iraq. Presumably some website editor pressed the Q button  instead of the N. So Pete's section on American foreign policy in the country that used to be Persia is a little odd to say the  least.

The show headed into Dave Gorman/Danny Wallace territory when Pete  suggested a religion for wishful thinkers called Wish-tianity but, basically, this is one of those workmanlike, perfectly competent, professional shows that gets by on the amiability of the performer rather than anything actively original you can put your finger on.

Review date: 1 Jan 2005
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett