|
PAPPY'S FUN CLUB - * * * *
They claim it’s entirely faked, but there
is a wonderful chemistry between the four cheery
young members of Pappy’s Fun Club. Between
them, they create a natural, knockabout energy:
a gang show mentality they apply to inventive
ideas, resulting a joyously upbeat hour of fast-paced
shenanigans.
Their show starts relatively soberly. After the
introductions are made we embark on a few imaginatively
conceived scenes, restrained in delivery: such
as the horror-movie trailer for Things That Are
Only Scary For A Short Amount Of Time, or the
mild-mannered prankster Len Taunton. They’re
well done, but initially not much to elevate them
above the sketch-show norm.
But gradually, though, the pieces and characters
get sillier and sillier. Abraham Lincoln makes
an appearance, obsessed with the phrase ‘four
score and seven’; folk trio Marty, Mim and
Julius entertain, with their unconventional line-up;
a topless taxman with a child’s cash register
strapped to his head chases up unpaid revenue;
and the directions Up, Down, Left And Right star
in their very own skit.
If it sounds wacky, well it is – but the
script is sharp, too, not just odd for odd’s
sake. And it’s all performed with a wickedly
playful sense of fun. If a foursome can have a
glint in their collective eye, then this lot have.
None of them, incidentally, is called Pappy –
that’s the name of the unseen, hospital-ridden
benefactor who’s financing this splendid
jamboree.
As the show drives forward, characters reappear
and jokes recalled as the fragmented nature of
sketch shows is thwarted, and elements of structure
revealed. Finally, an inspired piece of audience
participation unravels the genre brilliantly.
It’s the unquenchable verve of performers
Tom Parry, Matthew Crosby, Ben Clark and Brendan
Dodds that makes this such a joy, backed by some
very clever writing. If you like We Are Klang,
you’ll love this
Steve Bennett
Original link: http://www.chortle.co.uk/...
|
|
