Irish sketch trio and social media sensations Foil, Arms and Hog are back at the Fringe after selling out shows for the last eight, (yes you read that right, eight), years. 2017 seems to be no exception as the crowds crammed into the big purple cow for a night of laughs. They certainly weren’t disappointed as the lads from Dublin took to the stage insisting that we sing their theme song as they did.
Oink is yet another riotous success from three Fringe favourites.
The show itself is stylishly constructed with just the right amount of call back and structure but plenty of wiggle room. A bare stage adorned only by Foil, Arms and Hog’s trademark cymbal served well as both prison and jungle.
Foil, Arms and Hog’s particular brand of sketch show works so well because it is simple and yet wonderfully original; a fusion of hilarious characters, word play and physical comedy with a glorious pinch of silliness. From baggage handlers and tailors to nature documentarians and motivational speakers, we aren’t bogged down by unwieldy props or zany concepts but there is a great sense of fun as the boys take time out to gently rib each other and the audience. The props that are used are ingenius in their simplicity. From a humble balaclava to possibly the best use of onstage power tools, they compliment the action perfectly.
All three performers ooze charisma as they treat us to a memorable interaction with an embarrassed latecomer which they call back to in great style throughout the show. They are absolutely at home on stage, riffing and improvising; there is no doubt that these boys are pros. The characters they create are imaginative and speak with the sort of impressive array of accents that would make any thespian blush.
Great writing and silly characters vie for center stage in a show of big laughs. Oink is yet another riotous success from three Fringe favourites.
