HE would be an ideal choice to test crash helmets at high speed.

Otiz Cannelloni is a performer whose show fluctuates between sheer genius and downright stupidity.

The man combines the illusion of magic with the wit of stand up comedy to produce a hybrid comic creation.

Just when you suspect he doesn’t have a clue, Cannelloni removes all doubt.

Billed a man of the people with an O-level in woodwork, Otiz Cannelloni is probably best summed up as a mix of a crazy children's entertainer meeting an even madder messed-up magician

When this man is on stage the dressing room empties, as the rest of the comics rush to watch and learn from his mistakes. It’s taken years of practice to make something so simple look so difficult.

Although stand-up Otiz’s act is best seen live and in the flesh, he has been allowed the odd (and indeed they were) appearance on television, having dismantled proceedings on The Stand Up Show for BBC 1 and Stuff The White Rabbit on BBC 2 although most of the producers are still struggling to come to terms with what they saw.

Despite these various television appearances, producers are prepared to forgive and forget, mostly forget.

Otiz produces a family show about one of the most popular forms of entertainment – magic. It’s funny, informative and there are plenty of chances to join in.

Citing influences as diverse as Laurel and Hardy, Dean Martin, Phil Silvers, William Shatner, Mae West, Chrissie Hynde, Bob Marley and Charles Darwin, it is no surprise that Otiz is as mixed up as he is

With a light hearted touch, Otiz starts from the very first magic illusion and guides the audience through magic’s chequered story with plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

Genuine information punctuated by delightful nonsense combine to create a unique show that everyone will enjoy. You'd be as daft as Otiz to miss it.

Otiz Cannelloni’s History of Magic (Abridged), Thursday, August 4, at 2pm.

The Princess Theatre, Burnham-on-Sea. Tickets: standard £10/child £8/family (2+2 or 1+3) £30. Box office: 01278 784464.