Hooked on Laughter (Variety @ Eastbourne’s Hippodrome Theatre)

The Royal Hippodrome, which has survived closure threats and could become a dazzling new community theatre if The Royal Project plans are fulfilled, is currently proving that variety is alive & kicking.

This lively new Cabaret show , presented by Matthews Productions, has a great top-of-the-bill act in comedy ventriloquist Steve Hewlett. It’s rare to see someone keeping their mouth closed to such impressive effect – and his comedy routines are first-rate too.

(by Tony Flood for The Argus, Sussex, March 2010)

Eastbourne Herald review for Hooked on Laughter.

Outstanding is the young, but experienced, Steve Hewlett. This remarkable ventriloquist, an Eastbourne resident, introduces a range of puppet ‘friends’, such as balding ‘Arthur’, hairy ‘Nacho’, and ’Pongo’ the Skunk. Frequently conversing and singing with two different ‘characters’ at the same time, and sometimes  off-stage as well, this is a highly polished act, impossible not to admire and enjoy.

(By Roger Paine, April 2010)

Steve Rawlings Big Big Comedy Bash ( February 2010)

The Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett,  showed that there are still legs in the old art form, with his dirty old man, Arthur (looking like Statler or Wardorf but with a more optomistic  outlook towards the ladies), but even more so with a variety of other voices, from not only a water bottles and sock puppets, but even from a pair of completely naked hands – scandalous.

(A F Harold reviewing Comedy Bash at Hexagon Reading with Steve Rawlings, Rick Wakeman, Felix Dexter, Earl Okin, Mike Gunn, Raymond & Mr Timpkins & Richard Digence.)

Crackerjack review for The Andy Ford Show Bristol Hippodrome February 2010

Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett opened proceedings with not only one but six different Dolls ranging from Arthur a crusty old curmudgeon to Elmo a shy maiden with an excellent line in off-key singing, Steve well and truly warmed up the audience.

‘Hooked on Laughter’ The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne 2010

This year we have a truly fascinating and hilarious show in which the laughter never pauses. Steve Hewlett is an amazing comedy-ventriloquist with the skills to use every rehearsed and unexpected sound and situation.

His box of friends, even the obscure knitted shapes or table napkins, are especially funny, and furthermore he writes the scripts. Making it look so easy, Hewlett must be working hard and is nearing the top of a wonderful career.

Barbara Champion.

The Northern Magic Circle Gala Show March 28th 2010

Steve Hewlett is a young, funny, talented ventriloquist, with just the right mixture of comedy and ventriloquism, and a set of great characters and puppets that allowed him to showcase these talents. His main puppet was an old man called Arthur who interacted with Carol Pye ( a member of the audience ) to very funny effect. Even after Steve got rid of the puppets the off-stage banter between them continued! A small Elmo puppet and Steve’s routine, had the audience, like the puppet in the palm of his hand. Several quick vent gags including Lamb Shank, Sheryl and Russell Crow, and even a bottle of water and his jacket were all game for diverse voices that kept up the humour and left us wanting more!  (Magic Convention Guide)

 DORA BRYAN Tribute show at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, May 2009

Comedy Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett added some variety to the evening leaving the audience in hysterics with his array of vocal skills.

Also starring Linda Lusardi, Sam Kane, Bobby Crush, Zoe Tyler, Anita Harris, Mia Carla, Robin Cousins, Brian Conley & Sir Cliff Richard.

E3 Group Events

The Stage Showcall Showcase 2008

Steve Hewlett is currently one of my favourite British Comedy Ventriloquist acts. Hewlett is an innovator, but he has clearly been influenced by some of the more recent American exponents of the art. Memories of the great ventriloquists of the past, such as Dennis Spicer and Shari Lewis, indicate that young Hewlett is a student of his craft. He is also very funny and effective in the right venue.

Mark Ritchie.

Summer 2009 “The Horseshoe Bar, Pleasure Beach” The Funny Tucker Show

Helping Tucker out is Steve Hewlett. Ventriloquism and innovation don’t always go hand in glove (puppet) but Hewlett’s Napkin Cole, Russell & Sheryl Crow, talking toilet roll, crying baby blanket and nervous water bottle are all winners. His more traditional old Arthur improvises well and even when talking to his bare hand, the technically excellent Hewlett brings a breath of fresh air to the discipline.

Robin Duke

“(October 1995) – Steve Hewlett let rip at the team of markers and any member of the audience foolish enough to move about during his act. Personality, patter and that all important technical proficiency revealed a performer who could adlib and keep up to date.”

Robin Duke, Butlins Metropole Hotel
Talent Final, Blackpool, The Stage Review

Ashley Leeder, Bernie Barton Showcase,
Lowescroft, The Stage Review