Review by Steve Bennett

This LA-based comic is the embodiment of the polished American stand-up, tossing out wry, bitter one-liners perfectly engineered for maximum impact.

It's a back-to-basics approach, with no performance pyrotechnics and more than his share of classic gags.

He's more than a little sexist, and doesn't pretend to disguise his unpleasantness behind a veneer or irony. Not because he can't - the set is laced with sarcasm and satire - but because he doesn't feel inclined to.

However, one US stereotype he does conform to is pausing after the set-ups, in anticipation of the whoops and claps that usually greet news of big life achievements in the States. On this more subdued side of the Atlantic, of course, such Pavlovian reaction rarely materialises, which noticeably diminishes the contrast between positive feed line and cynical pay-off.

He might also consider a few concessions to material when playing away from home. It doesn't take a genius to predict that gags about the difference between Republicans and Democrats or the preacher Jerry Falwell are unlikely to get a warm reception over here.

Otherwise, a familiar approach, but very well executed.

Review date: 1 Jun 2003
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett