ComedySportz has a simple premise - competitive improv. There is a referee, two teams and the tech as scorer / linesman. With colour coded outfits and their names on their shirts, the look is very professional.

This troupe enjoys what they do. Winners of each game get to pick their next. The audience make plenty of suggestions on what happens in each scenario. There are a couple of rules - no filth - it's a daytime family show - and no 'groaners'.

Fun games include a rap, where each of the group takes a turn. When they fail to rhyme they are knocked out until one player wins.

Next, the audience suggest lines from songs, film and TV. During a scene the team must read and use these, however random.

In Household Olympics, two commentators cover the challenging 'hoovering the hallway.'

With Oracle, an audience member joins them - and the three-strong Oracle, with the audience member in the centre, must each say one word at a time. They respond to audience questions, sometimes briefly and often amusingly.

Arms Expert also includes an audience member to discuss what they're an expert on, while someone else provides the arms.

Replay allows one team to start a sketch from an audience suggestion. Then each team in turn replays it in a different emotion or style. Musical is funniest, though horror is a close second.

Waiter, Waiter is a surprising game, in that an audience volunteer actually speaks more than any of the team. However, between the audience suggestions of a haggis, a spatula, a man, and smoke in the soup, some really bad puns emerge - the 'groaners' are allowed here.

There's a slightly shambolic feel at times because it's not easy to fit eight performers onto the Meadow Bar stage. But there is a strong sense of fun and a good pace to the show, which does stay family-friendly.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Performers: Chris Brooker. Daisy Connolly. Brainne Edge. Derek O'Brien. Chris Tavner. Ross Wagman. Rachel Wareing.

Company Credits: Technical Operator - Derek O'Brien. Company - ComedySportz UK@ The Free Festival.

END

(c) Gill Smith 2007

Reviewed Sunday 5 August 2007 / Meadow Bar

Subeditor - Peter Andrews

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008