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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Aroused and Confused
Verdict: Sketch & improvisation comedy
London - Canal Café Theatre - 14,21,22,28,29,30 March 05
Aroused and Confused is a one-hour comedy sketch and improvisation show from a cast of 7 (5M, 2F). It’s billed as Little Britain meets Whose Line is it Anyway? meets Take the Mike.
The skits are not just ensemble performance, but ensemble writing too. The result inevitably lacks the tight focus in style and concept that some comedy aficionados may want. But it’s robust. The writers seem highly competitive with each other, and the sketches that get the most laughs retain their place in the show. It’s the kind of free market in comedy The Economist would approve of.
Sexuality is one of the show’s common themes. Format and approach vary from sketch to sketch. In some, the audience are unnoticed observers of drama taking place in real life. In others, they’re presented to - as in a television quiz show or advertisement.
Unusually, Aroused and Confused is relatively accessible to those few who may wish to bring small children to the performance, as there is little violence, few swear words - and only a mild (though persistent) obsession with genitalia.
Improvisation occupies the last 20 minutes. Comedy is constructed round prompted suggestions from the audience. Results are hit-and-miss. Sometimes tonight it feels like sitting in on an acting class.
The Aroused and Confused team bring a lot of energy to the performance – and handle hecklers with panache. It’s a show that could be one to watch, en route to Edinburgh.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Catherine Adams. Helen Barton. Mark Keegan. Andrew Nussbaum. Elliot Stewart. Joe Thomas. Chris Walker.
Company Credits: Writers – various cast members. Director - (uncredited). Technical Operator – (uncredited). Company - Aroused & Confused. Venue Credits: Canal Cafe: Artistic Director – Emma Taylor. Acting Artistic Director – Louis Brownhill. Technical Director – Ross McGivern. Manager – The Bridge House – Tracy Allum.
END
(c) Brad Hall 2005
reviewed March 05 / Canal Café Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
