Best of Brian Conley Review

His comedy, singing and sheer vitality underlined how silly television bosses have been to deny him the chance to again star on prime time TV in new versions of The Brian Conley Show, An Audience With... and The Grimleys.

I must admit his re-creation of his old characters, clueless daredevil Dangerous Brian and spoof children's TV presenter Nick Frisbee, did not enthral me, but I couldn't stop laughing at his witty stand-up comedy routines.

Brian, 47, also excelled as a singer. His performance as Al Johnson from his West End hit musical was electrifying, and it was a pity he did not treat us to any of the songs from his more recent success in The Music Man.

He was superbly supported by two other musical stars, Sam Hillier and Celia Graham, who brought the house down with their duet from Phantom.

Ventriloquist Gareth Oliver and a dancing quartet were less impressive.

Ironically, Oliver's singing impersonations were very good, and he should stick to these if he hopes to progress further in Britain's Got Talent, because his comedy routine is rather weak.

The Best of Brian Conley

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

April 28th

Review by Tony Flood