Jigsaw ****

Individually successful stand-ups Dan Antopolski, Tom Craine and Nat Luurtsema have joined forces for this new sketch show, Jigsaw, and it proves to be a spectacular triumph.

All three are very able comic performers and have nicely contrasting acting styles. Craine is the most versatile with an impressively manic energy about him and a penchant for big performances that is perfectly complemented by the subtler, more wry characterisations by Antopolski and Luurtsema.

Most importantly though, the writing is of top quality throughout. The show moves at breakneck speed and is crammed with great sketch ideas that are well executed and never outstay their welcome. Not all of them hit home, but there is such a quantity of them (much more than in your average fringe sketch show) that even if you don't like one, another is along in a second that you will enjoy.

Even having said this, the show's hit rate is very high. There is a great mix of styles with sketches ranging from witty to crude, surreal and silly; but they're almost always inventive and clever. They also don't rely on easy gimmicks as much as a lot of fringe sketch shows do, such as endless cheap props or simplistic audience participation. Even the set is just a black screen and a couple of stools. Everything comes from the talented performers and their imaginations.

Finally, there's a great atmosphere about the show. It's not cruel or unpleasant at any stages, whilst also avoiding the trap of seeming bland and tame. Everyone in the audience seems to enjoy the show, including a chortling Daniel Kitson, whose high-pitched giggle punctuates the entirety of the performance. If you don't trust my opinion, take his word for it and go see Jigsaw.