MUSIC mania and a semi-naked strip turned an average night of comedy into a rip-roaring giggle-fest.

With his cheeky smile and razor-sharp wit Rob Deering, along with his guitar, showcased charm, clownish behaviour and, er, his body to bring life to an audience which, up until he had entered the stage, had never quite fully warmed to the preceeding acts.

Deering’s unique take on popular songs, twisting lyrics and playing around with technology to amusing effect, provided fun for all in what was a fast-paced set.

Dan Evans had previously got the night underway and was amusing in parts as he delivered his set of observational comedy. The odd well-constructed joke came and went but with the real laugh out loud moments few and far between he struggled to get the audience fully onside.

Susan Murray followed and, cranking up the testosterone, her performance felt forced in parts and the majority of her set trod on very familiar ground. Gags on accents - she was born in Scotland and grew up in Wolverhampton - were wheeled out while her female-orientated jokes were weak and, unsurprisingly, only found mild appreciation from a smattering of women.

But where Evans and Murray had lacked warmth and charisma Deering oozed it and as relentless laughter filled the room we were left to wonder why he has never quite made it to the top since he burst onto the comedy scene in 2000.