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What a title, reminiscent of my nickname. What a flyer, reminiscent of 'MAD'. And what a show, reminiscent of nothing else I've ever seen. How dazzling to follow a kaleidoscope of sketches rather than a single stand-up. How joyous to catch a gang aiming 'to make you happy' rather than discuss the political situation in Afghanistan. And how refreshing to watch 'em prove - like the Beatles, Sex Pistols and Young Ones - that good things come in fours.Sure, each member of the quartet can hold his/her own. Susan Calman (a vicious, visceral stand-up, finalist for 2006's Funny Woman Awards) is indecent or innocent, Leah MacRae scary or sassy, Greg McHugh aggressive or amicable, Will Andrews handsome or horrendous. But put them together and what do you get? nEverything. Everything from gawky granddads and maddening marriage guidance counsellors through disturbing doctors and weary whippets (full marks to Susan here) to terrorising twins and (ahem) a 'Slut Slayer'. But no gimmicks, no audience-baiting, no cheesy catchphrases, just seamless sketches with the punch of Python, the absurdity of Absolutely, the litheness of 'Little Britain'. I love Oliver Hardy's physical humour as much as I love Stephen Fry's verbal gymnastics, but a team that combines both in equal measures is a blessing indeed. And I recently read the sketch show's dead. Well tell that to these guys and to the prestigious Comedy Unit, who are currently giving them the attention they so richly deserve... Can't wait to see the result.
Michael Monkhouse, September 2007
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