NewsRevue – the world’s longest running comedy show – is as central to the Fringe experience as overpriced artisan burgers and destroying rainforests with unwanted flyers. Happily though, its consistency is rather funnier and less heavy on the pocket. For at a time when the cost of a show matters more than ever, it is reassuring to be able to recommend something that delivers every. single. time.
Skewers the more ridiculous elements of society with unforgiving linguistic brilliance
NewsRevue describes itself as an all-kicking, idol-burning comedy, updated every week by a crack team of writers. It is known by its legion of Fringe fans for delivering sketch after brilliantly observed sketch and for skewering the more ridiculous elements of society with unforgiving linguistic brilliance. And look, before we get all Liz Truss about it, it’s not their fault who nominates themselves for Nobber of the year with every waking breath: they’re just picking over the scraps.
Political comedy isn’t for everyone. But it matters. And at a time when peaceful protestations are threatened and potential Prime Ministers suggest re-education facilities for those disagreeing with them, it matters more than ever. So, although this will be one of the funniest hours you’ll spend at the Fringe this year, bear in mind that the audience whoops and cheers aren’t solely because they’re being entertained; but because of the intoxicative balm that their own observations are being mirrored, because they’re being licensed to dissent en masse. That this troop of strangers suggest they’re not alone.
Our team of four preposterously talented actor/singers hop between characters and situations with all the pliancy of a Junior Minister defending the latest cabinet shenanigans; switching wigs and ties and silly hats with delicious abandon. There is something about NewsRevue’s trademark intelligence and absurdity which elicits the purity of reaction we had as children watching Play Away (or insert own childhood TV memory here), and which will keep the punters returning year after excruciatingly-observed year.
