Show Rating:

There is something incredibly special that happens when sketch comedy is done well. The cast have a chemistry, the writing and direction is seamless, the characters and subject matter are balanced and well observed. Watson & Oliver have it nailed.

Their third Fringe offering is a sketch show masterclass. They are a joy to watch. The writing is slick and flab free with every line carefully crafted to maximise the laughs. They aren’t afraid to go after a groan from a highly contrived set-up and a poorly disguised pun but they do it with such enthusiasm and glee that you can’t help but laugh at the sheer silliness of it all.

The sketches range from traditional pastiches of boardroom chat to beautifully surreal nonsense following the tragically fated affair between a matador and his bull.

These girls have a real chemistry, playing off each other perfectly. Lorna Watson’s scattier, ditzy characters are balanced perfectly by Ingrid Olivers cooler, sharper yet still klutzy persona. There is a real touch of Tamsin Greig about Oliver, a smooth subtlety, an awkward confidence and an exceptional talent for comedy acting.

The pair are both accomplished actresses who give 100 per cent to their delivery. Each facial expression expertly choreographed to plunder even more laughs from an already breathless audience.

Only one sketch failed to ignite. A sideways look at Wuthering Heights did not possess the sharpness or skill of their other offerings and petered out, but this was the only hiccup in an otherwise seamless show.

Watson & Oliver conclude with one of the funniest and best executed sketches I have ever seen. A Bond film played out inthree minutes, a flawless piece of observation, with what has to the most technophobic and ridiculous car chase ever performed. A superb finale to a fantastic show.

Reviewed by: Corry Shaw