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Lee Mack's New Bits

Note: This review is from 2000

Review by Steve Bennett

Slick, fast and very, very funny ­ Lee Mack's fabulous new sketch show is an irresistible slice of inspired lunacy, expertly performed with verve and skill.

Not a moment is wasted in this taught three-hander, with gags coming so quick and fast they almost stumble into each other.

Breaks between sketches are covered with delightfully silly film clips, plus backstage bickering, broadcast Big-Brother style from a dressing room camera.

Mack, jovial and personable on-stage, is portrayed as the meglomaniac despot of the group, with the brilliant Catherine Tate cast as a spoilt "Little Miss Stroppy Knickers" and the criminally underused Dan Antopolski as a bewildered space cadet.

Highly-polished and brilliantly-conceived, even when the cast conspire to convince you otherwise, this show offers more than its share of classic comedy moments.

Among the numerous highlights are the incomprehensible jockey, Tate's uncannily accurate old woman impression and a vicars' game of oneupmanship.

With songs, slapstick and visual gags aplenty, this sickeningly talented trio are in grave danger of giving the word 'zany' a good name. Fantastic stuff.

Review date: 1 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett

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