Rob Deering, Udder Place, Brighton, May 17 (From The Argus)

Rob Deering, Udder Place, Brighton, May 17

12:33pm Thursday 22nd May 2008 in Stage By Frankie Taggart

Rob Deering's proudest moment in the public eye must surely be winning the comedians' edition of The Weakest Link.

And you get the feeling as you watch his act that daytime TV is more his natural habitat than edgy, late-night comedy clubs.

Deering is a fine performer and a brilliant guitarist whose charisma more than makes up the extra yards when the jokes fall short.

There is nothing cutting-edge about Charmageddon, his 60-minute offering of skits, singalongs and topical observation.

Yet there is something very likeable about Deering and you can't help but chuckle at his eclamptic facial contortions and well-worn line in self-deprecation.

He is more witty musical turn than side-splitting musical comedian, though, and if you want to laugh at someone you vaguely recognise from Channel Five being silly with a guitar, you're probably better off going to see Bill Bailey.