It’s rare to come out of a sketch show and have no problem recalling the premise of every sketch. It’s a unique experience but not altogether surprising if the show in question has three sketches in it. Three very long sketches. Three very long sketches based on the same subject.
Back and to the Left, also known as Henry Trotter and Alex Hall, kick the show off by establishing that they are in a turkish prison. They establish this for a very long time. The characters are not particularly engaging and after ten or fifteen minutes of Henry being sarcastic and angry with Al the promise of an actual sketch with new personalities is welcome.
Sadly the refreshing change wears off as it becomes clear this scene is going to last for another ten minutes; Hall is essentially playing the same naive stoner character as before. The sketch does have some good moments but the premise - a cheery 1950’s infomercial with crude content - is far from original. Next comes a long and awkward scene about bad chat up lines in which the pair have a competition to see who can make the women in the room feel the least comfortable. The whole show is riddled with misogyny actually, thinly veiled with a few faux protests from Trotter.
The final sketch features Hall being briefed by his frustrated lawyer. It’s obvious throughout the show that Trotter is a confident and enjoyable performer with a good wit, and the small collection of characters he creates makes the show easier to watch. Despite this and the peppering of genuinely funny lines across the first half, overall the show can best be described as tedious. Remember to pack a shovel: after half an hour - or ʹa sketch and a halfʹ in B.A.T.T.L. time - you might want to tunnel your way out.
