Steve Coogan: The Man Who Thinks He's It

Wonderful comedy from Coogan, who seems to revel in his multi-personality skits much more than his tired Partridge formula.

Paul and Pauline Calf are as hilarious as ever, whilst Duncan Thickett's terrible stand up is a joy in itself (complete with a top notch heckling Steven Hawking impression). Nice to see Simon Pegg and Julia Davis given a bit of freedom as supporting cast too, back in the days when they were unknowns.

Oh yeah, and Tony Ferrino is one of the greatest comic creations of the past century by far. "I want to sing you a song right now - it's called Man Sandwich. Butter me up....."

This was a amazing follow up to his previous live video. Filmed in The Palace Theatre Manchester in April 1998, Coogan skits himself and his celebrity status by posing as a classically trained actor and comedian who treats his entourage and fellow performers as dirt. This is occasionally funny but it lacks focus and it directly rips of his previous video Live'n'Lewd.

However this should never be the focus point of the review. What should be is the material and it's quality. This show establishes Steve Coogan's gift for comedy writing and performance. He begins with his ever lovable Pauline Calf who reads to us from her new book and she introduces us to her friend whom she she mocks only to have it all reversed on her. Next up is the UK's worst comedian Duncan Thicket. This sad excuse for comedian is one of the most wonderful comic creations of the who instantly wins the audience over by marching on stage backwards. This part of the show for me is one of the highlights of the show. Next to appear is the terminally horny Italian singer Tony Ferrino. His songs about marrying a lap dancing lad with their funky underscore made me laugh till my sides were sore. Finally gracing the stage was the irrepressible Paul Calf. Equipped with his can of lager and cigarette he proceeded to tell us about where his life was at. This however seemed tired and overused. The Paul Calf of previous years wasn't present therefore it overshadowed the whole show. This is why I have not awarded it a full ten out of ten. All he above was a warm up for the character that the audience came and wanted to see. This is Alan Partridge. Love him or hate him his unpolitically correct ways and his cracks at the guest prove hilarious.

This show is a must for any fans of Steve Coogan. I also would advise anyone that claims to be a fan of British comedy to watch this show if they have not because they will agree that Steve Coogan is one of Britains most talented comedians that ranks up there with Peter Sellers.

Steve Coogan's comedy in general is difficult to put into words if you're explaining it to somebody who has never experienced it before. He is not an everyday comedian, nor does he do live shows or TV series that have one big laugh and nothing much in between. Throughout his whole career he has produced amazing, side-splitting comedy which never lets up.

Throughout this show he takes comedy to another level. The Alan Partridge act at the end is obviously magnificent but with Coogan there rarely is a highlight to anything he does. It's all one big, bright shining light that's in your face! The whole comical package stuffed into this show will make you laugh until you think you can't laugh anymore. A lot of people who watch stand-up comedy alone may chuckle to themselves or simply find it amusing but not express it by laughing, however this show will bring your laughter out. It will make you laugh out loud when you're the only one sat in your living room watching it. It will show you a completely different approach to stand-up comedy and make you think twice about comedy in general.

The Kate Bush Medley at the end of the show by Partridge tops it off very nicely because Coogan is so good at singing badly! It's totally hilarious! I am a massive Steve Coogan fan and always have been. This man is quite simply a showbusiness phenomenon and is the sole reason why I myself am now pursuing a career in alternative comedy acting and script writing. I am also due to attend the exact same university as he went to in Manchester where he grew up just like me.

Thankyou Steve for yet another fantastic piece of alternative comedy and thank-you for being the main inspiration behind me pursuing a career in this field. I simply would not be able to produce the work I do if it wasn't for seeing all of your work and appreciating it with a vast amount of enthusiasm. You are a true legend.

Possibly the funniest show I have ever seen. All characters are great and there isn't A moment when when you aren't laughing

This is, in short a masterpiece of British comedy - An absolute must for any Coogan fan, or any true fan of comedy.

'Laugh or cry, the choice is yours'. These words uttered by Duncan Thickett, the world's worst comedian. Hilarious sketches with partridge the calfs and tony ferrino too.Alan does a great Kate Bush medley at the end. Paul Calf: ' do you know what i hate, people who win the lottery and say it won't change me. Here's a quid, give me your f--in ticket.' Duncan THickett:'A lot of comedians these days do what they call self deprecation, the audience likes that, he doesn't mind havin' a go at himself. So i'm going to try a bit of that. Ahem. I'M A RIGHT C--T ME!! THere we go...see people can identify with that. Well he can(pointing to someone in audience)' Tony Ferrino 'Ah yes, stoke newington, i know it well. I have a villa there..' Pauline Calf: 'did someone drop you on your head when you were a baby?' -friend:'No..' Pauline: ' THey f--kin should have' Excellent!