A POPULAR variety performer believes there is nothing like performing comedy in front of a live audience.

Billy Pearce shot to fame on 80s variety extravaganza New Faces where he was spotted by talent scouts despite not winning the show.

Since then he has chalked up three Royal Variety Show appearances and five at the Children’s Royal Variety Show.

Although he is a master of dance and singing, Billy believes it is comedy which is the pinnacle of them all.

“The feel you get when you make a whole room of people laugh is incredible,” he said.

“In some ways it is like mass hypnosis and you feel as if you are totally in control of the audience. It is an incredible buzz."

Billy Peace is at the West Cliff theatre on Thursday, June 19, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £20 (£18 concessions). To book call 01255 433344.