Idiots of Ants open their show with a WWII skit that successfully introduces the UK sketch comedy troupe’s four charismatic members and their fast-paced style, while simultaneously breaking down the fourth wall. It’s a fine start to a clever show which both reinforces and subverts the conventions of sketch comedy; here, the rapid stream of sight gags and jokes are interrupted by a sports-style halftime show analysing the performers’ strengths, skills and weaknesses. Highlights include a unique take on love songs; a delightful live-Foley sketch accompanying an absurd silent film; a dad joke training school; and a hilarious 70’s style key party – though one too many skits are let down by weak punchlines, while another that surely intends to satirise sexism actually skirts dangerously close to it.
The quartet’s use of technology is sophisticated without being laborious, and their ability to ad-lib at one another’s expense, without impeding the flow of the show, is commendable.
Engaging sketch comedy that largely avoids the undergraduate.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Melbourne Town Hall, until April 22
Tue-Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm
This review originally appeared in The Age on Thurs 5th Aril 2012.
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