Four Screws Loose blow preconceptions of the Free Fringe wide apart with their dazzling debut show, Latecomers Will Be Shot. (Although, to be honest, I don't think latecomers would have stood a chance getting in: the huge performance space was full to the rafters.) With totally assured stage-presence, this dynamic quartet held the audience in thrall as they unfolded their rattlebag of comic treats ranging from clever word-play and vocal delights to a feast of visual gags and the odd moment of slapstick.A fearless group, they make bold choices and push them through relentlessly. One of the opening sketches the outlandish Eduardo, a camp wedding photographer, accompanied by his hapless assistant takes the action all around the audience, involving every single member, pulling them into their madcap world and resulting in a set of unique wedding photos. They take no prisoners in the execution of the sketch but this is ultimately where the success lies. The audience have no choice but to follow them (or risk further ridicule) and once they have made that decision, the show flies to a new level entirely. This group dares go where others won't, and this courage adds great weight to their sketches. (And yes, the pictures really DO end up on Facebook).Without he luxury of advanced technical wizardry to hide behind, the group and their material are very exposed. I was extremely impressed with how much they did achieve from a technical viewpoint, refusing to compromise their self-imposed high standards.This group will be around for quite a while and it will be very interesting to see exactly what direction they will take. This show is a medley of their material, encompassing different styles and art forms along the way but all meeting with fantastic responses from the audience.From the generous clinking into the buckets at the end, I know the majority of the audience would agree with me that the show is definitely worthy of hefty ticket prices. Take this opportunity to see them for free (but give generously!) before a producer snaps them up quicksmart.
