The Phone Book Live

Claire Sawers

The organisers of this slot thought it would be a 'unique theatrical experiment' to ask performers to entertain the audience, simply by reading from the phonebook. It's a novel idea, and it works well in this short and sweet 15-minute piece.

So far, comedians Topping And Butch, Scott Capurro and Ed Byrne have all had a go, picking a single letter and using it as a springboard for humour, self-expression or whatever else tickles their fancy. On our visit, Richard Herring homed in on the Smith section, letting his tone fluctuate between clipped precision, as he began rattling through the list, followed by wrist-slashing tedium as he read out dozens of A Smiths in dull succession, and near ecstasy when he hit the first Ant Smith.

For audiences, it's a fun and playful gimmick for testing a comedian's improv skills. Tony Robinson, Nicholas Parsons, Les Dennis and Dominic Holland will get their chance to shine when they rise to the challenge over the coming weeks.

Until Aug 27, Smirnoff Baby Belly (V88), 7.10pm http://www.underbelly.co.uk