Review by Steve Bennett

It’s a classic piece of misdirection, for instead of the lugubrious stand-up his appearance seems to promise, Zaharuk is that much maligned of acts: an old-fashioned prop comic.

The juxtaposition of his daftness and his physicality will inevitably invite comparisons with Tommy Cooper, in which he will always come of worse. He’s nowhere near same league as the befezzed genius – very few are – but his undemanding, deadpanned, Knockabout routine has its fair share of stupidly entertaining moments.

He’s a cabaret act for a large, lively, room – which is unfortunate, as Chortle saw him in an under-attended room above a North London pub. But the bits of business that comprise his set are constant, and he barges ahead regardless. He is, undeniably, a pro.

There are some silly twists on old classics, such as the levitating ball trick; that old improv classic where a foil – in his case recruited from a reluctant audience – stands behind the performer and provides their arms; and even a few quick-change routines. And his semi-naked plunger-juggling routine is probably once seen, never forgotten

He’s a one-man vaudeville turn, albeit one with an uncharacteristically underplayed presentation. While the result smack more of kids’ entertainer than groundbreaking comedy gold, there’s enough good spirit, inventiveness and underlying playfulness to provide a silly, Knockabout diversion on any club bill.

Review date: 15 Oct 2007
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett