THE audience at Malvern Theatres' latest Jongleurs comedy night seemed unsure what to make of headline act Sean Collins.

While the Canadian's opening anecdotes were fairly tame, they soon gave way to drunken, expletive-strewn ranting.

From the Great Malvern Hotel, where he was staying, to a 15-year-old unwisely sitting in the front row, no-one was spared his vitriol. At times, this proved funny, but for the most part, his mission appeared to be to offend at the cost of amusing.

Addy Borgh was a completely different kettle of fish and might have been a better choice as headliner.

His fast-paced takes on the perils of drinking, drugs and buying tampons for a girlfriend were fresh and hilarious. While undoubtably owing something to Eddie Izzard, his impersonations, which ranged from talking wine bottles to camp Italian gangsters, were all his own. He looked at ease on the stage and had a great rapport with the audience. Certainly a name to watch.

Anthony King, who had the unenviable position of first act on, put in a reasonable performance. His one-liners were witty and the audience was kept entertained, but overall, his performance seemed in need of a good polish.

At times he was clearly struggling to remember his next line and he frequently strayed from the caricature he aspired to play.

The evening proved a mixed bag, but was challenging and very entertaining.

Nione Meakin