Craig's Ballroom blitz fails

Camp Scottish stand-up Craig Hill makes his Soho Theatre debut trailing a formidable reputation.

He's done the Fringe (and is doing it again this year); he's been a TV and radio comedy regular for BBC Scotland; he presented coverage of the 2003 Hogmanay for BBC1 and he's supported Johnny Vegas, Ross Noble and Phil Kay on tour.

So you can understand why a stand-up little known down south has booked himself in for a full-length show somewhere as high-profile as the Soho Theatre.

The problem is, although Hill has boundless energy and archly bitchy one-liners, this show smacks a little of over-ambition.

A few extra warm-ups in London would have sharpened up proceedings. That way, we'd get a little less reliance on audience targeting - a subdued set of punters are hardly going to bite if the put-downs come too quickly - and a bit more originality in the gag department (heard the one about not being able to tell the difference between Camilla's wedding and the same day's Grand National? We have, but Hill tells it again anyway).

As you might have guessed from the title, Hill also likes warbling his own versions of tunes by pop minxes such as Girls Aloud and grand dames such as Shirley Bassey.

Although not always successful (sometimes you feel like you're humouring your averagelyvoiced best mate), his brilliant Bassey impression was the funniest thing he did all night.

It's all a bit of a shame, because Hill's natural energy and showmanship are the right ingredients for an entertaining hour. He just hasn't done himself justice here, that's all.

Until Sat, Tel: 0870 429 6883

Craig Hill: Craig Hill's Got The Ballroom!