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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Bruce Dessau's rating
Reader rating
Description: Skinner hosts the cabaret night with guest comedians, West End performers and musicians. Headliners include Lee Mack (Oct 12), Jimmy McGhie (Oct 19), Russell Kane (Oct 26), Chris Ramsey (Nov 2), Sarah Millican (Nov 9), Jon Richardson (Nov 16), We Are Klang (Nov 23), Tom Deacon (Nov 30), Steve Williams (Dec 7), David Baddiel (Dec 14).
Times: Nov 23, 8pm
Price: £12
Trains: Tube: Piccadilly Circus 
Phone: 0207087 7599
Website: www.nimaxtheatres.com
Fun on a small budget: Credit Crunch compere Frank Skinner
Frank Skinner might not have a regular television series at the moment, but he is certainly keeping himself busy. Having recently presented an edition of Panorama on the thorny issue of swearing, he has now launched this club promising high-quality acts in a West End theatre at a rock bottom £10 price. An ambitious enterprise and the opening night did not disappoint.
Skinner was in his element as compere, tack-sharp and topical: “We’ve got a competition with a prize. The Chelsea job.” His cheeky-chappie personality ought to feel old hat yet somehow Skinner’s splendidly smutty innuendo, corny asides and even his George Formbyesque songs felt strangely timeless. Telly’s loss is the stage’s gain.
The Black Country clown certainly assembled a strong bill. If Newcomer Tom Deacon was derivative, evoking the studentish ebullience of Russells Kane and Howard, he still revealed promise but could never compete with the next act. Michael McIntyre unexpectedly nipped in, wowed the crowd with his riffs on Obama, parenthood and the perils of modern postage and nipped out. No comedian could follow that. Luckily Connie Fisher was present, belting out a heady mix of showstoppers.
After the interval Anna Crilly and Katy Wix hit the night’s only flat note. In time this sketch duo might be a female Vic and Bob but here their elliptical advert send-ups bemused an audience wanting no-frills nonsense.
Fortunately the closing act provided chuckles by the barrel-load. Whenever it seems that Al Murray’s Pub Landlord cannot get more monstrous he does just that. His head-to-head haranguing of a banker in the stalls was simultaneously terrifying and hilarious.
Skinner deserves a financier-sized bonus for his efforts, even if the concept is not entirely selfless. Major acts get to roadtest new material — Murray, for instance, is about to start a UK tour — minor acts get a taste of the big stage. But one would have to be clinically depressed not to enjoy an evening like this.
Mondays until 9 March (0844 579 0089, www.frankskinnerlive.com).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Last night's show was fantastic. Already I couldn't believe that I would get to see Frank Skinner AND Al Murray for a tenner, but to add Michael McIntyre to the bill made it the best ten quid I have ever spent. I didn't want it to ever end. I just hope that the poor guy Russel in the front row that was almost attacked by Al Murray has managed to recover by now. The night was great.
- Laura, London
