At the end of the show, the cast on stage said “If you’ve enjoyed the show, we’ve been The Manchester Revue. If you haven’t, we’ve been the Cambridge Footlights.” So, I guess, here come my thoughts on The Manchester Revue.
The funniest sketch group I’ve seen at the Fringe for years
The main thing with many sketch groups is that out of the six or seven cast members, there’s usually two, maybe three, standouts who elevate their sketches to the next level. With The Manchester Revue, they all shine. Remembering my favourite sketches after the show, each cast member starred in at least one of them. It’s rare to see such raw talent onstage at one time, but that’s what The Manchester Revue bring with their show.
The other thing, despite potential standouts in the cast, is the all-important question: are the sketches funny? For the most part, yes. Admittedly, when it’s not at its funniest, it’s simply that it’s not as funny as some of the other sketches. It’s very apparent that this cast get what’s funny. There are a few sketches in particular where I felt there must have been a discussion of “This is funny, but what can we do to make it even funnier?” Two sketches in particular – a kleptomaniac competition and a stag do’s game of Never Have I Ever – have those beautiful levels of humour where it’s clear that the cast have really thought about what would have the biggest impact.
I’m so happy for this cast. They have a bright future ahead of them. I can happily say that The Manchester Revue is the funniest sketch group I’ve seen at the Fringe for years.
