The Guardian
11 March 2006

The Guide: Comedy preview by William Cook

Who killed Princess Diana? Nobody, most probably, but Dutch Elm Conservatoire don't let such minor details deter them. Like upstanding tabloid journalists, they refuse to let the boring truth get in the way of a good story - or in this case, a cracking good comedy show.

"Conspiracy" is about a Bracknell-based firm of private investigators, battling to thwart a dastardly Teutonic plan to clone Jesus Christ from the Turin Shroud. The troupe play all 25 parts, in a performance that's a cut above the usual sketch show. Rather than a string of skits, it's a proper comic play.

Shortlisted for the Perrier Award at last summer's Edinburgh Festival, they've recorded a pilot for Radio 4 and they've just landed a TV show development deal, so this could be your last chance to see them up close on a smallish stage before their brand of comedy takes off.

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