Nicholas J. Johnson in Today Tonight, Tomorrow The World, at Comedy On Collins until April 21 (not Mondays)

WHAT do you get when you cross a comedian desperate for stardom and a television show compelled to get more ratings?

Nicholas J. Johnson's hilarious show, that's what.

Johnson - a comedian, magician and incorruptible con man - tells the story of how he hoodwinked Today Tonight.

Setting the scene with his childhood days, becoming a magician and his "cool" magician friends, Johnson tells the tale with entertainingly amusing self-deprecation.

His impressive magic tricks show off his talents and sets the television scene for becoming "Australia's Honest Con Man".

After making his name with his insightful and helpful tips about not being conned, it was only a matter of time before TV came knocking.

Johnson's paraphrasing of the story is witty, clever and comical, with television's dark side shown in all its glory.

With its effective use of video coupled with his mirthful perspective, this well-constructed show makes for a great comedy routine.

His loss of dignity through his experience of becoming a star of the small screen is achingly amusing, though some jokes falling short of their mark and the picture quality of the video are minor problems.

But on the whole, the show is side-splittingly enjoyable with laughs right up to the ending, which is equally surprising and entertaining.

Stars: ****1/2

Originally published as Nicholas J. Johnson ****1/2