Sam Fletcher: Daftwerk

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Sam Fletcher might affect to be a jack of all trades, master-of-none, colossal disappointment to his father-in-law. But in reality, he's a delightfully unconstrained performer who delivers prop comedy into immediately engaging areas of audience participation; a born children's television entertainer whose self-aware, seemingly irrepressible optimism and belief in his own genius ought to appeal to jaded adults too.

Blessed with a mildly goofy, bespectacled appearance, he positions himself in an historical line of polymaths, invariably predisposed to wondering whether he can accomplish something, rather than if it's worthwhile him doing so. At the top of the show, the inventive way in which he pours himself a cup of tea introduces him as a classically British eccentric, mad scientist figure, with all his little games, conceits and set-pieces invariably more compelling for their invention rather than their successful accomplishment.

Of course, when he does nail one of his knockabout feats of the inexplicable, more through tedious practice than inspired intellect you suspect, it's all the more enjoyable. Pitched somewhere between the pullback-and-reveal of Tape Face's audience manipulation and Spencer Jones' loveable stupidity, Fletcher isn't quite in either of their class but adds a nerdy vulnerability that compels you to want to get involved and make his show a success. Some elements really feel like filler. But most of his running gags, daft callbacks and naggingly catchy jingles are well worth the wait. A recommended act for families who are game for some simple, straightforward fun.