Fresh faced young company shutYOface from Nottingham (formed at the university there) return to the Fringe to follow up last years Slippery Soapbox with Spotbanded Skat downstairs at the Zoo. This is a comedy sketch-play with an unlikely story running through the whole performance.
Young Warren has lost his best mate Bingo to the acting bug, a hideous disease which means he must hide himself away with fellow thespian sufferers. Disconsolate at his loss, Warren seeks the advice of the Lion King-like former headmaster, Dr Ombomba, who recommends he tracks down the pirate Bluetooth to hunt the rare Spotbanded Skat fish, a fish that can cure all diseases known to man (except gonorrhoea). As you might imagine from this description, the surreal comedy owes much to the likes of the Mighty Boosh. Thats no bad thing in this case, and fans of the Mighty Boosh will find a shared tendency for shutYOface to launch into unlikely song and dance routines like Every Pirate Wants to Party - proving a huge hit with the crowd.
The sketches themselves are, for the most part, well written, well timed and performed with great enthusiasm. Occasionally some fall a bit flat, and there is some evidence that the writing may have been a bit hurried. That said, with limited set (4 chairs) and basic props and costume changes, entire pirate ships, offices, dinner tables and hummus abusers anonymous meetings are conjured up. The young cast are slick with their lines, enthusiastic and clearly enjoying themselves hugely. Why not go and join in their enthusiasm? This early preview show had almost sold out, and with a buzz like that on the second night you might want to book a ticket now.
