Mark Allen's Pet Project

Dave Gorman has a lot to answer for. His Googlewhack adventure was more than just a comedy show, it was an inspiration to joke-starved comedians everywhere. Once upon a time to call yourself a comedian you needed to memorise a thousand one liners and possess a pair of knackers made out of reinforced steel. Now, all you need is a slideshow, a projector, quirky subject matter and access to the internet. Once you've assembled all that, you have in your possession a ready-made comedy show.

Mark Allen's Pet Project is a perfect example. Ostensibly, he's here to talk about mankind's obsession with domesticated animals and the bizarre eccentricities that arise from this. What we really get is Allen telling us all about how he came up with his concept and the fun he had whilst researching it. Clearly, making the show was a lot more fun than having to sit through it.

Let's not be too harsh on Allen. He is a funny guy, who could handle traditional stand-up if he wanted. The question he has to ask himself is whether slideshow comedy is for him. For this type of show to work, its subject needs to be acutely observed, the transition between topics needs to be seamless, and there needs to be a constant stream of laugh out loud moments. Allen's presentation has none of this. His performance style is far too laid-back and sloppy. A disappointing show.