‘I’m really looking forward to this,’ said the elderly widow in the seat next to me. ‘I saw their take on the Bible and Shakespeare, and they were very funny.’ Hmm. The Bible? Shakespeare? Both stuffed full of material ripe for parody if not downright mockery. But comedy itself? Won’t analysing humour be the kiss of death? If we deconstruct the mechanics of mirth, isn’t there a risk of losing the joke?
The theatre lights come up on three performers, Gary, Andrew and Matt.
Immediately they prove the critic’s theory spectacularly wrong. Their truncated tour through the centuries of hilarity turns out to be hilarious. There are gags, one-liners, wisecracks, puns, double entendres, single entendres, slapstick, and naughty words aplenty. Just about every comedian known to a British audience is named checked. Famous routines get paid their due homage, such as ‘Who’s on Base’ for those old enough to remember Abbott and Costello.
The show hangs together by the slenderest of plots. The final chapter to the Art of Comedy, an ancient manuscript, is missing. Unless it can be found before the final curtain they cannot finish the show. But this production is more like stand-up comedy with a theme than a fully-fledged story. The comedians lead the audience through a series of skits, sketches and songs, everything from custard pies to clowns, by way of whoopee cushions and rubber chickens.
During the ninety minutes, expect cavemen, presidents, politicians, ancient Greek thespians, Harlequins, Grimaldi, mime, improv - you name it! If it’s about comedy it is in there somewhere. PowerPoint presentations are put to rib-tickling use. A scene with a hospital bed is especially inspired.
Audience participation is encouraged but with none of underlying ridicule often found in today’s stand-up. No one ever felt uncomfortable: indeed, the performers welcomed us in like old friends. The stage is bare, props are basic. But the enthusiasm of the cast is infectious.
Wait. How can the critic illustrate his review with examples without giving away the show’s material? If you know the joke before buying your ticket, the punchline is ruined. So please, just take our word for it. The audience laughed. A lot!
The Reduced Shakespeare Company presented 'The Complete History of Comedy' at the Djanogly Theatre, Lakeside Arts on Tuesday 17 February, 8pm.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
