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What a joy to see Roger McGough’s hand at work with Moliere, he certainly has the measure of him. The script alone for this classic farce is worthy of at least five stars as he plays with the language, both English and French, with masterful style. The company too deserve at least five stars for the way in which they pull off such mannered silliness. Clarity is an essential when delivering drama in verse and barely a word or joke was lost despite the audience roaring with laughter throughout. Particular praise for Emily Pithon as Mariane whose comic antics and gawping gaze often stole the scene. An evening of total delight.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 19 October
Rating:
Andrew Kay

Idiots of Ants had a lot of nice ideas in this sketch show but several of them failed to develop into much beyond broad physical comedy. There were some gems, including the cab driver sketch and the one about new dads involved genuinely impressive circus skills. A sleazy scene involving a swingers’ party hinted at something more inventive, as did the clever opening, but generally this was by-the-numbers crowd pleasing fare; which is perfectly fine if that’s what you’re after. It was technically slick with a couple of decent laughs but not much more beyond that.

Pavilion Theatre, 19 October
Rating:
Max Power

Andrew O’ Neil did not get the gig he deserved. I am glad to have seem him before, when his performance was not hounded mercilessly by rabid technology daemons. He didn’t get the easiest of reception either, something which could be laid at the feet of an audience quite cold and cadaverous to begin with. His absurdist jaunts and the chaotic innovative variations of his routine were refreshing and well (if quietly) received. We were witness to a show that should have been…

The Old Market, 19 October
Rating:
Enna Andrews

The Brighton Comedy Fringe has an excellent history at the Three And Ten, with some fabulous acts having trodden those boards over the years, from Daniel Kitson to Pappy’s and more. The difficulty with being a desirable bijou venue with such reputable acts is that it’s not easy to get them down simply to provide a taster at the Fringe launch. With a mixed bag of acts, not all from the Fringe but a lovely presence from the meanderings of Gerry Howell and the frankly startling mixed with howls of amazed laughter at Madame Galina, to some noted highlights simply from the local comedy scene, this Fringe launch did what it said on the label – it took a few risks. Long may it continue to do so.

Upstairs At Three and Ten, 13 October
Rating:
Victoria Nangle