Before Nina Conti even opens her mouth she has two hurdles to overcome.  Firstly there is a common perception that female comedians "just generally aren't as funny". Discussions on this attitude's origins are obviously outside the scope of this review but, rightly or wrongly, it does seem to be an opinion held by many comedy-goers of both sexes.

Secondly she is a ventriloquist, a thought that could all too easily bring back repressed memories of the childhood nightmares where Keith Harris and Orville are strapping you to an operating table as Bob Carolgees and Spit The Dog cackle insanely in the corner.

So it's fair to expect a little trepidation in an audience that have not previously had the good fortune to see this excellent act.  Before seeing Conti I had always found ventriloquism acts somewhat contrived.  Whole conversations would seem so obviously scripted, as would any moments of faux-surprise and I would find myself focusing more on the performance than the material; "Did that guy's lips just move?"

Not so with Nina and her Monkey.  Conti's greatest strength is that she is an extremely talented actress.  The interaction between her and her (sorry Monk) puppet, along with her reactions at what he says and does are so genuine and believable that your belief is quickly suspended and you can simply relax and enjoy a brilliantly funny double act.

Her flawless timing is enough to leave any fellow comedian, or indeed any fellow performer, truly impressed.  Coupled with great material it makes for an act that dares to be different and pulls it off in serious style.