One of the big stage successes this year was variety spectacular La Clique. The Crack feels like La Clique’s less gifted, budget-priced sibling. While there are some magical moments, this is more pig’s ear than silk purse.

First up was Kalki Hula and her gravity-defying hula hoops, providing a brisk, sexy start. Things improved further with maverick Phil Kay, back to his freewheeling peak after too many wilderness years. His entire set was an improvised song about the audience, easily the night’s highlight.

Now the bad news. Earl Okin delivered the same thin helping of Fats Waller-style musical innuendo that he has peddled for years. Trickster Mr Jones was a pratfalling Tommy Cooper with exploding hair. Jon Hicks drew a picture that literally felt like watching paint dry until the dramatic reveal.

Ventriloquist Nina Conti was a welcome relief, her chimp puppet Monk thriving in small chunks, before committed misanthrope Andrew Lawrence divided the audience with his repellent riffs on bodily functions.

The climax was veteran eccentric Woody Bop Muddy gleefully smashing vinyl albums by the likes of Simply Red and Kylie. These are probably the only records this curate’s egg is likely to break. When The Crack is good it is very good but only serious editing will make it great.

Until Sunday. Information: 0871 663 2538: www.underbelly.co.uk