Sheeps: The Giggle Bunch – Pleasance Courtyard

This 3 for 1 offer is for the most part good value.

Sheeps with pedigree, Ladhood creator Liam Williams, Stath Lets Flats star Al Roberts and writer Daran Johnson. Former Fringe favourites return after a six year hiatus with a new suite of sketches which are in turn brilliant, tricksy, silly and just plain weird, in what they promise is their final Fringe run together (probably!).

Given their already high-flying status, this is more of an excuse for the ‘boys’ to get together one last time, rather than a serious career or financial move. There’s an intriguing boy band dynamic and comedic palsy bickering throughout the show which is part of the show’s charm.

The quality of the sketches is varied to say the least, the opening skit, possibly the high point of the show, features an angst-ridden father and his two estranged sons. It is beautifully written and delivered by the three, who become two, who become one. It rather promises something that the remainder never quite lives up to, which is a shame.

If that was the high point, the low point is certainly an ill-conceived parody of the current PM and a knife-wielding clown. The boys should know in the current climate, that just needs to be cut, and the fact that it is included here at all makes me seriously wonder if these guys have their finger on the pulse.

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 6th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: