Show Rating:

There is not a lot to say about the Newsrevue that hasn't already been said over the previous 24 years. Four different performers, but still knocking out the same formulaic, yet undeniably effective comedy songs and sketches that vaguely reflect some news item that has appeared in the last 12 months (give or take a year or two).

Still, the show has become an accepted landmark of the Fringe, possibly even a rite of passage for all newcomers, and this is not without decent reason. Against the background of instantly recognisable pop songs, the performers sing about everything from the London congestion charge to the various leaders of the Conservative party. Clearly, these sort of comedy songs are not pushing any boundaries whatsoever, but the performances energetic enough for a sustained laugh.

There is also a big reliance on shock value, with t parodies of the torture in Abu Ghraib and the death of Princess Diana (topical!),. Essentially though, the show is a wide-ranging collection of knob gags set against the backdrop of current affairs rather than a serious investigative report.

As is often the case with politically satirical shows, the Newsrevue often falls back on events that could never be classed as current with a straight face. Despite his recent book release, a certain sketch about Bill Clinton could have been repeated at any time over the previous five years ­ even if they attempt to negate this effect with a gag written about that the headlines of that morning.

This is not to say that there are not some fantastically written jokes ­ which there undoubtedly are ­ just that, on the whole, the show could be described as consistent and audience pleasing, rather than new and exciting. Still, it is easily recommend for a thoroughly entertaining hour.