By Rosie Hetherington This is definitely not for the sensitive, politically correct non-smoker. Billed, as the art of dangerous comedy there is little danger of splitting your sides with laughter. Your parents may have found the jokes funny in their day but the subjects are now slightly uncomfortable. A cult classic now studied as literature, it remains a political piece of early seventies socialism. The music of George Formby sets the tone for these wannabe comics. Comedy even alternative comedy is all about timing. It is difficult to tell how much of the poor timing is intentional and how much is first night nerves. The nonexistent programme may have been a mistake or a deliberate choice by an embarrassed cast. It proved no match for this investigative reporter.
Here is my inside scoop on this stereotypical cast: Nick Maud is effective as Eddie Waters the veteran comic, teaching this evening class with integrity. Adam Regan is amusing as Ged Murray the cheeky milkman, one half of the double act Sugar and Spice. Former child actor Cameron Powrie, is convincingly smooth as Phil Murray the straight half of the double act. Aled Roberts is electric as Gethin Price the aggressive bovver boy keeping everyone on edge with his unpredictable behaviour. Conal McLean is actually funny as George McBrain the Ed Byrnes type of Irish comic. Niall Canny is slightly less funny as Mick Connor the other Irish comic. Arron Ferster is cheerfully amusing as Sammy Samuels the Jewish comic. Fred Brown doubles up well as the Caretaker and Bert Challenor the cockney judge of this comedy talent show. Bob Nelson-Sullivan is competent as the Concert Secretary of the bingo hall. As the director of this play he may need more study. The views expressed in these comments are those of the contributor's and not the BBC. | 
