one4review | On 15, Aug 2022

Sheeps sketch group are a well-oiled meta machine. They have built up an incredible amount of critical acclaim over the years and with it comes a packed and eager audience for this show. It is pitched as a ‘best of’ compilation of some of their favourite sketches. The backbone of the show is the undeniable chemistry of the three performers and their well settled roles within the group; Liam the anchor with a gravelly gravitas, Jono the loveable fool and Al the highly strung oddball. It is a tight hour of cleverly crafted sketches that plays around with these roles.

I have to confess to being a newbie to Sheeps. As such, I’m never quite sure how deep the meta well goes? E.g. A sketch with two stoic men chatting about the deaths of all of their family members in Aleppo in 2015 (it’s funnier than it sounds) is saddeningly as relevant today as 7 years ago. It leaves me wondering whether the level of meta extends to a pretended back catalogue or not? If you enjoy this kind of mental gymnastics then this is the show for you!

The penultimate, ‘3 cowboys’ sketch, much alluded to through the show, is pepped up by some sterling audience interaction from an audience member, who surprisingly sounds like a real-life Hollywood cowboy. A finale sketch of their take on the musical Oliver not only packs in the laughs but also flaunts their considerable vocal talents. This show is a testament to all of the work that has gone into the group over the years and is sure to delight both dyed in the wool fans and newcomers alike.

****

Reviewed by Sarah

Pleasance Courtyard – Forth

19.00 (1hr)

Until 17th Aug