The Independent
17 August 2004

Reviewed by Julian Hall

The high-octane start to this sketch show is a false dawn. It is hard not to like the end product of five young men who act well, and who exude markedly different charisma despite all being dressed in black. In parts, there is a feel of Victorian macabre about it that is well suited to Edinburgh, like a more digestible Shockheaded Peter.

There are glimpses of potential in the mix of Monty Python meets Big Train sketches, but all too often situations are unfinished, laughter is left in suspension. A talking baby genius, a policeman who tries to end hostage situations by reciting recipes over a loudspeaker, a flashy magician, an argument between KFC's Colonel Sanders and the Little Chef hold momentary charm. But they soon exhaust their one-laugh quota. Meanwhile, an Animal Farm-style scenario chaired by the farmer, and a boy-band depiction of railway staff, have more potential.

If the tiny, throwaway sketches were thrown away, and the more lengthy sketches were worked on, the pacing of this show would still be fine. The problem with this troupe is not one of boredom, but of subtlety and a slight smugness. The punchlines are often of the "now you see it; now you don't" variety, when more in-yer-face attitude and pride are needed.

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