So I have not been in the cinema much- because I've been spending a LOT of time at the fringe festival!
I am a proper mad lad so decided to rank and review everything I've seen. Yeah this isn't particularly fair, I've seen a lot of works in progress, and some things are pure luck of the draw (improv groups aren't going to be consistent are they and every show they do is wildly different!)
That being said, these rankings and reviews are based on my specific experience of each show. I won't be particularly mean or rude as a lot of these acts are people just having a bloody good go of it which I commend and support in full. With that out the way, let's get into it!
#1 Police Cops: The Musical
Good lord, what a show. This just floored me, I've never seen anything so well written, the pacing was insane, the time flew by and I just didn't want it to end. Police Cops is the funniest thing I've ever seen live. To describe it is a real challenge because it just sounds like nonsense. The less you know, the better, just go see this. DO IT.
#2 Pottervision
I can't believe this was the second best show I saw at the fringe, but it really was. Pottervision is hilarious, the time just flew by. Two genuinely funny guys, Tom and Lukas have amazing chemistry, tons of audience interaction and just a genius premise of two boys that need to recreate the entire first Harry potter film, down half their usual team of four with limited props. Go and see it if you can. It's a bit rude so don't bring your mum.
#3 Baby Wants Candy
This was easily the best improv I've ever seen. Baby Wants Candy is an improv musical show, the talent, comedic chops and team chemistry needed to make this happen should make it impossible to pull off but they make it happen and it's genuinely impressive to watch. An absolute must see, even if the humour doesn't land for you the sheer impressiveness that they pull this off is worth the price of admission.
#4 Pete Firman: Bag of Tricks
Wouldn't be long before I put a Teesside boy in here. But he genuinely deserves it! Pete Firman is more than a magician, he's a comedian. His sleight of hand is exceptional, but he's just a funny personality as well. You'll have a good time even if you know how his tricks are done. Brilliant show.
#5 Danielle Walker: Nostalgia
Danielle Walker was a total surprise, one of the acts I read an incredibly brief synopsis of and thought "yeah that sounds interesting, let's go". I'm so glad I did, Danielle was funny, heartwarming and really makes you appreciate just how quirky and brilliant our families can be. No family is perfect, but after watching Danielle's show you might appreciate some of the zanier sides to your family a bit more. She speaks from her heart and nails her delivery with a sweet Australian accent that makes her so likable.
#6 Crime Scene Improvisation
This was a great improv show, a lot of fun and a simple premise is used that can go in any manner of directions. A talented improv crew that made for a great show.
#7 Flo & Joan: Sweet Release
Flo & Joan were really funny, I'd not seen much of their stuff before but I had a great time with the silly little songs they sing. Strange seeing two sisters perform side by side and it makes the whole thing a bit more endearing.
#8 Daniel Sloss: New Work in Progress
I'm a big fan of Sloss, his Netflix special Jigsaw is brilliant, hilarious and hard hitting. His new work in progress I saw does not reach these heights, and whilst he still had moments, I couldn't help but feel we weren't getting material that will see the light of day again. Still though, his delivery is brilliant and he's a funny guy.
#9 Spontaneous Potter
This was a highly touted improv crew and I must admit I was a little disappointed. Maybe they just weren't feeling it for that one, but my experience had a significant weak link in the crew that was slowing the pacing down massively. Shame as two of the crew were incredible, and provided some great laughs at points.
#10 Shamilton
From the same guys that did Baby Wants Candy, Shamilton was a good show that requires lots of talent, it just didn't hit as well as Baby Wants Candy did when I saw it. Still though, improv musical is so impressive.
#11 Bonnie & Clyde
What an odd duck of a musical. Up and down massively in quality, I enjoyed learning about this criminal couple, but I felt a phantom pain, I was reaching for more that just wasn't there. Some good talent in this but just not up to expectations for the price.
#12 The Single Lady
This was put on by a Uni society and deserves a lot of praise for a creative, unique and impressive show. The Uni background strained at points, the music supporting the show could've been so much better, and the acting went up and down at points. However, the voice of the leading lady deserves special recognition. She was excellent.
#13 PG Hits
A comedy cabaret that is PG friendly, I had fun with this, but none of the comedians blew my lil socks off.
#14 Susan Riddel: Living my 2nd Best Life
Susan showed great flashes at points, but just didn't know her material well enough and let nerves shake her delivery. With practice could be a really good comedian.
#15 Richard Stott: Afterparty
Richard felt like he wanted to be an actor, realised it wasn't happening so went into comedy. A few really good jokes, but for the most part Richard wasn't landing for me.
#16 Macbeth the Musical
The oddest duck of them all. It was amateur hour watching this, I want to give them lots of points for being earnest and having a go, but telling Macbeth through cringe covers of High School Musical had me wanting to disappear into my seat at points. Love the enthusiasm though.
#17 Danny Posthill: Stand Up For The People
It breaks my heart to put another lad from Hartlepool so low on this list, but Danny did not deliver (get it, POSThill). He had one or two good moments, but for the most part it was a tough one to get through. Sorry Danny.
#18 Shaggers
Oh my god. This was... Oh my god. I watched this comedy cabaret put up 5 sacrificial lambs to slaughter in a row. Comedians bombed, and bombed, and bombed. The crowd were awful, the comedians struggled to handle it, it was madness. I really felt for some of them. Three Sisters at 11pm on a weekend is not where you want to start your comedy show.
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