Hugh Hughes in 360 New Wolsey Theatre, Sun Oct 11th Hugh Hughes first emerged onto the scene in 2005 with a strange but very original show called Floating which was then followed by The Story of Rabbit.

Hugh Hughes in 360 New Wolsey Theatre, Sun Oct 11th

Hugh Hughes first emerged onto the scene in 2005 with a strange but very original show called Floating which was then followed by The Story of Rabbit. Using story telling techniques combined with on stage music and sound, projections, puppetry, mime, lights and the force of his own uniquely charming personality he weaved a drama out of this mixture that was both funny and poignant.

360 is a very different animal in that he has stripped away all the peripherals and gone right back to the basics - just a man, a mike, an empty stage and 90 minutes to fill.

There is no doubt that in this hardest of mediums Hugh rises to the challenge and in his lilting welsh patter holds the audience with his rambling mix of memories and recollections on the theme of friendship. Specifically his friendship with childhood chum Gareth.

This is a man who can have instant rapport with an audience, and his easy style draws you into his world. His humour is gentle and self mocking, maybe a little too gentle. He certainly works hard but although there was one audience member whose funny bone was obviously and loudly tickled, these anecdotes will make you smile more times than you laugh out loud.

This was an entertaining, feel good evening but, for me, I did miss the cleverness and originality of the previous shows. Stand up with a twist this might be - but I would like to see the very talented Hugh to get back to the more innovative style of his previous work.

Susan Hawkes