Spank! has wormed its way to the top of Edinburgh's late night schedule through a combination of a party-style atmosphere and the willingness for decency to go out of the window. There is no script, instead the two comperes - who wouldn't look out of place performing on cruise ships or late night hotels throughout the Med - will go to any lengths to ensure that their audience truly can answer the show's buzzline "You Love It!" in the affirmative. There are several ingredients that Spank! throws in to ensure it is the hottest late-night ticket in town - an intimate venue that allows audiences to join in the debauchery, a series of well-chosen acts representing some of the best untapped talent of the Fringe, and ultimately a show that really tries to live up to its name. While some of the acts can be hit and miss, of course, there is an eclectic mix of stand-up, music, sketches and some..ahem..other surprises that have to be seen to be believed.Perhaps Spank! gets it too easy in some ways. While acts like Tom Rosenthal and Comedy Bitch thrived in front of the drunken audience, some would probably have died on stage had the crowd not been wearing their comedy beer goggles. However some performers noticeably had to raise the crowd and tempo after other acts failed to live up to their billing. The high-octane music and general party mood certainly helps in that respect.Yet the format of Spank! is so loveable, and is unmissable for those who want to see the best of late-night Fringe and are not easily offended. All are pretty much guaranteed a good time, even the hecklers.
