Irish sketch group No Pants Thursday have come up with a fairly creative way of making their sketch show stand out from the rest, though it’s not the way their name suggests. (Don’t be put off, they mean ‘Pants’ like the Americans, but do be prepared for four charming lads walking around in tastelessly colourful underwear as you enter the venue.)
The majority of sketch shows that have been brought up to the Fringe this year have had to prove themselves and carry an extra punch. No Pants Thursday’s show is different because their sketches, although funny as individual pieces, all contribute to a main plot that takes place on a plane. This plot essentially revolves around the transportation of the Mona Lisa to ‘air it out’ in mid air. Meanwhile, a Spanish counterfeiter, Jonathan Rhys Myers and the Barber Shop Terrorist group (to name but a few) have different plans for the fate of the legendary painting. Sound ridiculously silly and random? That’s because it is, but it is totally entertaining.
It would be a lie to say that No Pants Thursday had its audience enthralled from the very beginning. Initially there are a few weak links. However, once the audience understood what the four guys are doing and how it all fits together the show instantly became more engaging. The twists and turns of the plot are wacky and reminded me of the fun humour of the 80s spoof Airplane! As long as you don’t mind grown men running around in pants and the occasional lunge and thrust, go see them in action.
