Rowley Birkin QC A masterclass from Paul Whitehouse #TheFastShow

The audience, already laughing in anticipation, suddenly realises that this time it's different. I choke up every time I watch this.

I love the dawning realisation that he’s pulled the rug out from under them. Remarkable really, given the shows format

First the anticipation of something hilarious like always, then..hang on, everything goes silent. And one realises perhaps that this is the origin story of why Rowley turned to alcohol and the possible death of the love of his life. It was such pathos, breaks me up every time.

Love the change in the studio audience when they realise it’s not what they were expecting. The ticking clock at the end takes it to another level

An absolute masterclass. When you'd followed that character along, laughing all the way and then this - absolute pathos, from such a small number of lines and the merest facial expressions. Perfection.

@MajorPazuzu Hyperbole or not, it’s scenes like this that caused Johnny Depp to label Paul Whitehouse the best actor in the world.

I always think Paul is up there and possibly better than comedic actors like Rowan Atkinson and Steve Coogan with performances like this.

One you consider the range of characters he played so uniquely you realise he is one of the very best

An opportunity to see how much of a incredible actor Mr Whitehouse is. Sublime.

He really is a special talent