Peeled Over is a four-person sketch show. The sketches and films they present are fresh, original and slightly twisted.

The finest sketches slice into the flesh of modern culture. They include a vocal warm-up leading up to calling in sick at work, a homeless person's job appraisal and an elongated Jeremy Kyle take-off. Filmed sketches are expertly woven into the show, superbly shot by cinematic director Nick Price. Particularly well observed are the re-interpreted adverts for Elephant Car Insurance, Learn Direct and Picture Loans. Peeled Over parodies crap television with novel intelligence.

The greatest asset of Peeled Over is its performers. Jonathan Ellen is fabulously caustic as Jeremy Kyle. Rachel Stubbings has solid presence and fantastic deadpan timing. Marie Blount plays a range of roles with skill and charisma. Avril Poole is alternately grotesque and delightful.

The writing in Peeled Over is good but it is the cast's unique performances and the hilariously horrid musical finale that bring the house down. There may well be a few four-person sketch shows on the Fringe but Peeled Over may be one of the best.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Marie Blount. Jonathon Ellen. Avril Poole. Rachel Stubbings.

Company Credits: Film Director - Nick Price. Lights and Sound - Nick Price. Company - Laughter Unit in association with Weaver Hughes Ensemble.

END

(c) Sara Pascoe 2007

reviewed Wednesday 8 August 07 / The Green Room

Subeditor - Peter Andrews

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com