Dregs, a sketch duo starring Max Dickins and Mark Smith, are hotly tipped performers. They exude charm and charisma. Their patter between sketches shows that they play off each other well. The type of material they use indicates that they would be much better suited to stand-up rather than channelling their talent into sketch scenarios.When the chemistry between the two is translated into sketchs, it only creates stock tropes. The performances are polished and show considerable flair but they aren’t enough to carry these weak scenarios. Sketches such as a man’s consternation at the size of his miniature hotel room, and a self-help PowerPoint presentation from a gender-confused couple begin well but soon outstay their welcome. The return of the latter sketch as a runner worryingly relies on berating an audience member in the front row while not expanding on the previous sketch. The audience participation doesn’t create excitement and tension but rather appears as a substitute for development of onstage characters.It is a shame that the bulk of the material is too long, because inside the filler there are some great ideas. The best moments in the show come when the two take an intimation of ‘lad’ humour and push it into awkward and interesting terrain. A hilarious scene featuring two nervous synchronised swimmers who haven’t got to grips with their sport is a brilliant execution of a concise and interesting idea. They also dodge a lazy dynamic of plain banter in the introduction of struggling actor John Dredge. This character is a small, middle-aged man who stands onstage in the middle of scenes. The man’s drawling, supremely deadpan delivery provides a great counterweight to the uniformity of some of the material.Both comedians are great performers with confidence, but the material in this show isn’t strong enough to do them credit. Hopefully this is a good starting off point for more concise and considered material in the future.
