Sketch is arguably one of comedy’s hardest forms, requiring an individual to have the abilities of a writer, actor, comedian, director, and critic, all at the same time. The Ginge, the Geordie, and the Geek return to the Fringe this year to prove how proficient they are at it.
The sketches come at you hard and fast. Some last a few minutes, others only a few seconds. They cover topics and themes ranging from police parodies, stoner hazes, the trials of weight loss and the mysteries of the female mind. Certainly, there is no doubting the Gs’ ability to detect comedic potential in almost any situation.
That said, to spot potential is one thing, to turn it into a funny and perfectly timed sketch is another. The Gs tick this box by and large. Some gags miss the mark somewhat and some sketches drag slightly, but the beauty of this genre is that these moments are only fleeting; a new gag is just around the corner. The amount of laughs generated is more than enough to forgive any mishaps.
The Gs’ greatest strength is their ability to tie their sketches together and serialise sketches, making them and the characters in them even funnier. Different stories meet and clash with wit and in ways that demonstrate real writing ability. A minimal amount of props is used throughout, evoking school-day memories of drama class; this, however, is qualified by the impressive onstage confidence of all three performers and any scepticism or awkwardness you feel soon withers under the relentless barrage of out-of-the-box humour. Ultimately they leave you impressed at the creative and directorial talent on display and laughing at the sheer silliness of the sketches.
Sketch is difficult, no doubt, but these boys make being funny look very easy. Yes, they miss the mark sometimes, but the amount of times they are right on the money with a sketch and the strength they display in all parameters of this genre while doing it are proof enough of their talent.
