Review by Steve Bennett

Antopolski is the most frustrating of stand-ups, clearly blessed with talent, but also more than happy to piss it away.

He approaches his comedy with utter insouciance, literally shrugging off the audience reaction as completely immaterial to the success of his set.

Indeed, he always seems to be enjoying himself rather more than the people who have paid to see him.

Not that there's nothing to enjoy. The man can craft exquisite puns and create rambling, shambling routines based on the world around him.

But there's also plenty of weaker stuff, and the devil-may-care attitude means that routines that frequently fail remain resolutely in the set for his own enjoyment alone.

Antopolski's avant-garde approach too often sacrifices comedy for experiment, which will annoy most audiences. But he is also steadily building up a cult following among who those who prefer their comedy less straightforward.

Review date: 1 Mar 2003
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett