Graham Fellows's alter ego, the middleaged "versatile singer-songwriter", was shaky at the first of this year's performances; problems with sound and props and uncertainty with his new set meant he could do little to build momentum. But the amiable banality of Shuttleworth's songs and patter were still enough to set a packed house cackling. The keyboard from his new sponsors Yamaha gives added weight to old favourites such as "Up and Down Like a Bride's Nightie" and supplies deliciously cheesy sound-effects for the relaxation masterclass that forms the bulk of the show. Fellows is still on course in his bid to develop John Shuttleworth's character to the point where he'll become the next Edna Everage
Written for The Independent.
Copyright © Ian Shuttleworth; all rights reserved.
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