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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
The 1649 Show
Verdict: Sketch comedy
The 1649 Show is a one-hour comedy sketch show with 4 performers (1F, 3M).
Sketch topics include speed-dating, an Elvis tribute, James Bond. There’s a creative - very funny - interpretation within the boundaries of these standard formats. There isn’t any audience-engagement, but they’re drawn in regardless. This may be because the performers come across as likeable, or because tonight’s audience seem mainly to be family and friends of the cast.
At times, the ensemble seems to be winking at the audience, as in a skit about an employee taking the initiative so far as to annexe all the personal life of an over-delegating hands-off boss. It feels as if the writer isn’t sure how to end the sketch, and turns that into part of the joke. Tonight’s funniest sketch is Jesus leading a subset of his disciples – a bunch of dullards rather than the A-team - on a motivational team-building meeting. The Elvis tribute - Ollie Simpson does Are You Lonesome Tonight? - is poignant and a highlight of tonight’s show.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Ed Bradshaw. Nick Hughes. Ollie Simpson. Bo Wilson.
Company Credits: Written, directed and produced by the cast. Technical Operator - Venue Staff. Venue Credits Canal Café: 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 19 May 05 / Canal Café Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
