JOHN Shuttleworth has been described as "aural prozac".

His comedy is an acquired taste, but for those of us who love to hear the banal musings and quirky songs of a middle-aged man (accompanied on a Yamaha keyboard), this is a comic creation up there with Homer Simpson. Graham Fellows, who shot to fame with his first alter ego, Jilted John (Gordon is a Moron), has crafted Shuttleworth to perfection over the past 15 years.

We now meet the wannabe entertainer in late middle-age and he believes he's in "God's waiting room". The one-man show comprising stand-up, songs, film and even a cartoon never flags. Shuttleworth introduces us to fantastic characters, including his wife Mary and his agent, "showbiz impresario" Ken Worthington. Fellows also treats us to another of his creations, Dave Tordoff, an affluent tradesman and hopeless after-dinner speaker.

Less offensive than the 80s creation Loadsamoney, Tordoff portrays a crass innocence that complements Shuttleworth's genial incompetence. The show's final high saw Shuttleworth encore with the classics Pigeons in Flight and Austin Ambassador Y-reg. He's back in the region soon - it would be a shame to miss him.

* John Shuttleworth is appearing at Durham's Gala Theatre on Thursday, 0191-332 4041; Newcastle's Tyne Theatre on September 23, 0870 1451200 and York Opera House on October 2, 0870 606 3595.

Published: 13/06/2005