"What happens when you combine holy water and squash? Capers," Jonathan Sayer promises us during Mischief Comedy's Mischief Movie Night. And to be totally honest, capers might be putting it mildly.
There is a high level of nonsense in this show that only the cast of Mischief Movie Night could possibly pull off
Mischief Comedy is back with a completely improvised blockbuster, based on suggestions from the audience. Sayer acts as our guide, or more commonly an instigator to the action and hijinks onstage, as well as an occasional policeman to make sure that the show stays child-friendly. We really have to wonder how much of Sayer’s ‘guidance’ is impromptu or simply things that he has wanted an excuse to see his cast mates do. The word ‘mischief’ is in the name after all.
There is a reason why Mischief Comedy is seen as the gold standard. This show is proof of the range of talent and wit within the company that goes beyond the slapstick they are usually known for. If you are familiar with Mischief Comedy's previous work, you can see how each cast member tends to gravitate towards a certain type of character. That being said, they push and challenge each other throughout the show, and are quick on the uptake when one member of the cast heads in a certain direction, to the point where you can see their minds churning and itching to get in on the joke. The humour often refers back to and builds on choices previously made in the show, and the cast do tease each other in a spirit of camaraderie, which is incredibly entertaining to watch. After all, what is more apt for the Edinburgh Fringe than showing affection by mocking your cast members?
The members of Mischief Comedy are bursting with talent, but that goes without saying. There is a high level of nonsense in this show that only the cast of Mischief Movie Night could possibly pull off in the fashion that they do.
