Sean Hughes, Ipswich Corn Exchange, last night Your Evening Star provided plenty of fodder for comedian Sean Hughes when he entertained a sadly depleted audience at the Corn Exchange.

By Tracey Sparling

Sean Hughes,

Ipswich Corn Exchange, last night

Your Evening Star provided plenty of fodder for comedian Sean Hughes when he entertained a sadly depleted audience at the Corn Exchange.

'Pele's coming to see Ipswich Town play…at Sheffield,” he laughed, and then pondered as to why London Road was such a deprived area according to the Post Office that people did only own one car each.

'What do you think? Write to Your Letters' he urged, mocking the Star's regular plea to readers.

His first mention of 'have you been out killing prostitutes?' directed at a latecomer, sparked a shocked intake of breath, but a few laughs came when he repeated the topic three, if not four, times more.

Sean didn't mention the red light killings in the second half.

With a ventriloquist's duck by his side - bought at a charity auction for £500 while drunk - he pulled the curtains from the stage, was dive-bombed by a moth, passed round his plate of biscuits and threw boxes of tictacs.

At the age of 24, Sean became the youngest comedian ever to win the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award. Now he's 41 and still single- a fact he can't forget. In a show devoid of political correctness he mocked himself, anyone in the front row, Muslims, 'special' people, and even his parents for shrinking as they get older.

I loved his casual, offhand approach but his banter with the audience would have benefited from a larger, more boisterous crowd. It's a shame more people didn't turn off their TVs as Sean suggested, and pop out to see some live comedy on their doorstep instead.

What do you think of this review? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters.co.uk.

By Tracey Sparling