TOMMY Cooper was a comedy legend.

His laughter legacy lives on. 

Like Tony Hancock and Frankie Howerd, we won't see his like again.

They were comedians who lived to make people laugh, despite their behind-the-scenes back stories being no laughing matter.

I am not a fan of recent sensational dramas that have been nothing more than character assassinations.

The tears of clowns are well documented, so let's leave that to the comedy historians who love to analyse and sometimes tarnish the magic that is there in the first place.

Tommy Cooper was a giant of man – a real one-off.

This play, written by its star Daniel Taylor and Ian Carroll and directed by Lisa Taylor Ellis, looks at his on stage talent while acknowledging his off stage flaws – infidelity and heavy drinking.

Born in Wales, Tommy Cooper moved to Exeter as a child where he developed that familiar accent.

He was in the army, got himself an agent and the rest is history.

The fez capped his unique image for posterity.

He met Dove, the love of his life who encouraged his dreams.

Self-taught and inspired by Max Miller, Tommy Cooper collected and bought volumes of gags throughout his life.

He never wrote his own material, but his skill was in his idiosyncratic interpretation of funny lines and observations.

Joining West End star and Blood Brothers regular Daniel in the cast is Sharon Byatt as his wife Gwen.

A solid supporting performance.

And James Templeton provides a very impressive array of roles as his Scottish manager who was often at odds with Tommy.

He also becomes Bruce Forsyth and the Queen.

Tommy's tricks are delivered with trademark daft dexterity.

And the gags come thick and fast aaccompanued by all the familiar facial expressions and Cooper giggle... just like that.

With a 'tweak here ... here tweak' as Tommy would say, and a more polished finale this affectionate, enjoyable play with a few songs has a long and happy future ahead.

Super Cooper - four stars.

The show is on until Saturday.

Tickets are available from the box office on 0844 888 4411.