Pete Firman - Hokum

Let's get one thing straight; Pete Firman isn't just some smart-alec comedian with a knack for one-liners. He's also a magician, and a damn good one at that. Described as Britain's leading conjuror, Firman is already well known as the face of C4's Dirty Tricks, and for being one of the few men who have attempted both comedy and magic in the same show and not witnessed their audience flocking for the exits.

Firman is far too good for that. His tricks are all his own takes on classic illusions, all of which are enthralling to watch, but it's his charming persona and ability to poke fun at not only himself but at some of magic's sillier pretensions that make him something out of the ordinary. Firman follows the classic Tommy Cooper approach to magic; he sometimes appears to get the trick horribly wrong, but is actually preparing you for an even more impressive stunt when you least expect it.

Firman has taken the best of classic end-of-pier entertainment, given it his own twist and made it something that a 21^st century audience can love and enjoy. With his sharp wit and sharp suit, Firman is a million miles removed from David Blaine and the like, and proves that magic isn't something best left for kids parties and dated TV specials. Having managed to pull this show out his hat, no doubt he'll produce an even better one in the future.