Afraid of technology

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Original review from October 2007
Live Review

Scenes such as the horror film based around the trivial everyday scares that cause you momentary panic, or the crappy Jeremy Beadle-style prankster do little to challenge the image. They’re amusing enough, but hardly revolutionary.

Slowly, though, they start to subvert the expectations of the genre that they initially played up to; and longer scenes take genuinely unexpected directions, offering a rich dollop of stupidity to offset their winsome presentation.

This works best within their own full-length shows, where they have the time to properly play with the ideas, and the audience are happy to let the modest start grow into something much more impressive. But Pappy’s are one of the few sketch groups to also play the stand-up circuit, where they can have a bumpier ride with crowds expecting quicker gratification.

Appearances can be deceptive, however, and when they release it, this tight-knit quartet has a fearsome amount of upbeat energy. Songs bundle along joyously, and their lively performances bring a genuine sense of fun.

There’s an almost tangible gang spirit between the members, each with a well-defined role, though versatile enough to drop into other characters. Tom Parry is the big cuddly fool countered by Matthew Crosby’s tight, self-conscious sobriety; Brendan Dodds is full of eager, baby-faced cheek, while Ben Clark is a more ethereal presence.

Pappy’s are often touted as ‘the next We Are Klang’ – which is odd, since the original Klang are very much alive, productive – and not yet famous in their own right. But they are, perhaps, Klang’s younger brothers. They certainly have a similar sense of fun and attention to detail that makes their surreal flourishes almost credible, but without the boisterousness, recklessness and filth.

There’s still a slight ‘hit-and-miss’ feeling to the sketches, but the best are sublime. And it’s easy to let their obvious expertise blind you to the fact they are still relative newcomers, with as-yet untapped potential to become an even more impressive comedy force.

Pappy's have pulled off another absolutely marvelous show at the Fringe. Tom on a pogo stick wearing a hoover pipe 'trunk' is one of those 'this is happening to me, now' moments. We were treated to the additional delight of a pogo stick that wasn't working properly and the strangled cry of 'I think it's broken, lads', just before Tom was catapulted into the wings is one of the funniest things I've seen in 10 years of Fringe performances!

Sue - Whitstable, August 2010

Just seen them in Bristol doing their Fringe warm-up. I can only assume that the one that left was the writer. One or two good moments, but mostly unoriginal. Recommend you give it a miss if you're over the age of about 14.

Pete A, July 2010

Saw them in Canterbury last night and loved it. Like Elena, I was a bit confused when they first came on, a "what the hell is this?" moment, but that seems to be part of the act and it quickly hits its stride. As an Edinburgh preview, the show was unpolished but there are some moments of real comic genius in there - the owl vs internet bits are truly inspired stuff. Anyone seeing them in Edinburgh is in for a real treat.

dw, July 2008

When they first came on stage I was a bit confused bit then really started to make me laugh! Really funny and immature comedy. Excellent!

Elena, June 2008

These four lads are absolutely brilliant, they sweep the audience up into a big ball of energetic hillarity! Someone put these guys on TV for goodness sake.

Fiona Jo Kenny, March 2008

One of them looks like 'Sloth Fratelli' from the 80's film 'The Goonies'. They're going to be funny with that in mind alone. Even when we weren't laughing, we found ourselves smiling along with the cast... as they're clearly enjoying themselves, and crack each other up. Excellent fun, so can highly recommend them.

Jo Phelan, February 2008

Can't recommend them enough. They are just great.

christina, October 2007

One of my absolute favourite acts to see and gig with. Just hilarious. Even when I saw them when they started out I knew they were going to be big. Can't wait to them again and again and again. That's because I'm a minstrel.

Mike Belgrave, October 2007