Phil Cornwell is a frighteningly talented man. Best known as the star of Dead Ringers and Stella Street, Cornwell has a quite astonishing impressionistic verve, veering from footballers to rock stars by way of Alan Rickmans laugh. By my estimate although I quickly ran out of fingers and toes Cornwell features over 40 impressions in this one-hour show, each instantly recognisable and in many cases pitch-perfect. Cornwell is at his best when showcasing quickfire impressions around a central character. His routine begins with a headlong rampage through the upper reaches of the Premiership, anchored by a magnificent John Motson. The perfectly incomprehensible Alex Fergusons BBC boycott ended early here, joined by Arsène Wenger, Steve Claridge, Ray Wilkins and a terrific Alan Green. Two more sets, one a star-spangled musical variety show hosted by an irrepressible Jools Holland, the other a romp through the Hollywood firmament, are impressive in their versatility. Cornwells Stella Street heritage is evident in the highlight of the evening, Tony Montana on holiday in a Devon B&B. The writing here is not always as tight as it might be. In some sections Cornwell relies on the virtuosity of his impressions but it is a sign of his technical mastery that this carries him through. My one complaint: where was Switzerland Mcnaughtiehorse?
