A far cry from the fabled fiery furnaces, hell as conjured in the Brighton Festival Fringe is a spangly place populated by hula-hoopers, illusionists and aerial artistes and presided over by a musical comic called Des O’Connor.

It is a conceit that will not seem much of a stretch to some.

“I play the Devil,” Des explains of the “neo-variety” show that opens new venue Fletch @ St Andrews. “But it’s the medieval idea of the Devil, in that he wanted to be the best angel in heaven, so he was accused of the sin of pride and cast out. I feel a bit sad to have been cast out of heaven, so I want to make hell a little bit more fun and put on a cabaret show.” In the sumptuous St Andrews Church (“We’re being playful but respectful of the religious setting,” Des says) our cloven-hooved host introduces acts that include twisted magician Eric Walton – who also stars in solo show Esoterica – New York aerialists Mantryx, hula-hoop star Pippa The Ripper and musical comedy duo Frisky and Mannish.

The audience is encouraged to help Des decide whether the acts deserve to remain in hell or be sent up to heaven.

Des is a former music director for Cambridge Footlights and a favourite turn at events including Bestival and the Edinburgh Fringe. He is clear on where this show, produced with venue founder Fiona Fletcher, is aimed.

“It’s definitely going to be this year’s Le Scandal, or, if it isn’t too arrogant a statement, La Clique – very high-end, quality performance,” he says.

The acts were drawn together by the two of them. Walton and Mantryx were two of the most successful acts in Le Scandal, a burlesque show Fiona put on at the Udderbelly last year, while Des has worked with Pippa and Frisky and Mannish.

The latter have just been snapped up by iconic London burlesque show La Clique, Des says proudly. “We are so, so lucky to have them in the show. I first worked with them in Edinburgh and as soon as I saw them, I thought they are absolutely bound for the top.”

And The Devil May Drag You Under was well received at the last Edinburgh Fringe. Des says: “I wanted to do a show that really everyone could see, from my mum and dad to aunties and uncles.

“The important thing for me is audience interaction. It’s not a case of just sitting down and watching – we’re going to get out there and play with the audience.

“It’s about creating something that’s a really different cabaret experience.”

  • Starts 9.30pm, tickets £10/£12. Cqall 01273 709709