A sketch show with class: Minor Delays

By J.H. Kamper

From the off, this is clearly a show unlike the rest. Performers Harry Michell, Abi Tedder and Joe Barnes are complemented by an onstage cellist and violinist, whose classical interludes separate each sketch. Three chairs face the front, and so do the performers, only moving to stand up and sit down between sketches.

The writing of the show was slick, intelligent, and exactly the quality you want from a show in Edinburgh. Jokes were set up, punchlines delivered, and then the punchline turned on its head for that extra comedy impact. The humour generally played on our inherent British awkwardness, but also leaned towards blacker comedy. They weren't above a few penis jokes either, but they always hit the mark with the audience. A couple of sets of sketches with repeated themes, growing funnier every time, really tied it all together.

But what really made this show great, rather than just good, was the use of the unusual staging. While their characters interacted in the scenes, the actors faced us, allowing a full view of their expressions and nuances. This could have gone so wrong, but it just didn't - every scene was expertly co-ordinated. I cannot imagine how much rehearsal went into that effect, and it paid off, excellent acting from all three giving life to their jokes and making the show truly memorable. And let's not forget the music; surprisingly appropriate and sometimes even used in the jokes themselves, it gave Minor Delays its own inimitable character.

PS in short: These sketches could stand on their comedy alone, but Minor Delays' unique approach has set it a class apart.

★★★★1/2

Gilded Balloon daily 15:00.

@postscriptjour

#reviews