The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue are the silliest and cleverest slapstick act around as they proved at the Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club at the Winter Garden, Eastbourne, on Thursday.

Amazingly, they hardly spoke, yet had the audience roaring by holding up words and pictures to mock song lyrics with quick-fire precision.

Even their dress was funny, with one wearing a cycling helmet and dinner jacket, while his chubby partner preferred a beanie hat and stripy jumper.

They stole the limelight from top-of-the-bill Lee Hurst, whose observations about the marathon, health and crime were amusing rather than hilarious. His biggest laugh came when he referred to Eastbourne's reputation for attracting old people by saying “this is where you get Lemsip on draft.”

TV star Hurst's relaxed style gave the impression his act consisted entirely of slick ad-libbing as he took the mickey out of doctors, fitness fanatics and the police.

Compere Windsor relied too much on his big personality and his routine lacked good material.

In contrast, the acid-tongued Alistair Barrie told jokes with real punch lines such as “Girl friends are like golf balls – you lose them sooner or later.” He set the mood for a fun-filled evening.