Superclump – Fringe 2009

Superclump boasts nine of the best new(ish) acts from the comedy circuit who have joined together to produce an hour of sketch comedy. This ensures that the evening is full to the brim with lots of ideas executed with style and charm. Unfortunately, following the ‘strength in numbers’ policy also holds the show back from being truly memorable.

The hour is predictably schizophrenic for several reasons. Performers disappear for ten minutes at a time, while some return for sketch after sketch. This, along with the fact that most of the cast are usually solo performers, lead to a great deal of show-boating. As a result there is a feeling of being pulled in different directions as, with everyone vying to steal the scene, there is not a natural balance between the performers. This does not mean they are unfunny. None fail to make a good impression, however, only Mike Wozniak and Nat Luurtzema seem to act, rather than perform the sketches.

The sketches themselves sometimes feel more workshopped than written. While this has produced great short skits, the longer ones don’t always feel finished and can feel like a conglomerate of disparate ideas. Sketches play in two or more sections, like ‘A Day in the Life’ by the Beatles all the sections are entertaining to listen to but you know they weren’t originally designed to be together. Having said that, the material is strong and there are some sketches, such as an alternative take on Little Red Riding Hood, that are fantastically crafted.

Unfortunately the second half of the show relies too much on recurring jokes and call backs to earlier sketches. While it is admirable that they have tried to relate all the sketches to each other it does create the impression that there is only really forty minutes of material that has been stretched to an hour. There are also several self-indulgent moments, such as a dance that was probably much funnier in the pub than it proved to be on stage.

This may seem like a negative review but I stress that I laughed the whole way through. When the sketches and call-backs work they are very funny and the cast are all likable performers. I only wish they didn’t have as many performers and writers involved as it has robbed the whole of a cohesive personality. I would love to see the performers split into smaller groups and produce several streamlined and more polished shows of their own because, as funny as it is, Superclump still feels more like a showcase than a show.

The GRV, 2.40pm, 6 – 30 August (not 19th), £5.00
Jon Brittain