Review by Steve Bennett

Relative newcomer Eric Lampaert delivers one of those Russell Brand-inspired over-exaggerated performances so beloved of yoof-TV casting agents. Indeed, MTV chose his distinctive features to front their irritatingly catchy ‘Up Your Viva’ ads, prompting the inevitable repetition of the catchphrase from the audience the moment he stepped on stage.

Actually ‘irritatingly catchy’ isn’t a bad description of his act, either. By rights, the deliberate posturing and obvious attempts at creating a persona that screams ‘I’m so crazy – just look at my random streams of consciousness’ should come across as indulgent zaniness. Indeed, when I last saw him a few months ago, it did.

But he’s growing into the persona and is now likeable and engaging, sweeping up the audience in the sheer energy of his performance. There’s not actually much material to speak of, but the strength of his scatty character rips through the room like a mini-hurricane, destroying complacency and raising the spirits. He might yet end up as a face of E4, but he could just as easily develop into an impressive comedian.

Review date: 15 Nov 2009
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Casino at The Empire