COMEDY

Consisting of 9 students currently studying at the University of Exeter, ‘Simply the Jest’ is a comedy troupe whose début show at this year’s Fringe may not be perfect, but is full of promise.

One understands how easy it is to assume that a show on the Free Fringe by undergraduates may not be worth the time, however there are some moments in this hour-long production that with the right direction and some focused editing could work extremely well. Take for example their advertised Maggie Smith sketch, in which Luke Theobald’s hilariously uncanny impression is lost amidst the skit’s poor structure and unfunny concept. Were the group to construct a solo Maggie monologue this would ensure that Luke’s impersonation is not subject to distraction and the ample opportunity for comedy is not lost. This lack of focused editing continues when observing the show as a whole – the opening sketch lacks impact, and the closing one drags on. With such a large group being self-directed one wonders whether such moments of unsuccessful material is due to the troupe lacking an outsider’s direction or editing in the devising process.

The stand out performer was without a doubt Bryony Twydle, whose subtlety and timing suggests an exciting future for her as a performer be it in comedy or theatre. Her contribution to a mostly successful sketch in which Hollywood veterans are interviewed was sublime, remaining controlled and composed unlike some of the show’s other contributors. This skit was a highlight, alongside one involving an English class for French students and some short interludes demonstrating fictional iPod Apps. With the latter, continued consideration and confidence in its moments of perverted humour could transform it in to something mighty.

Were this show not part Free Fringe, the rating for this review would be much lower – one recognizes however that this production far outdoes the car-crashes often observed as part of the PBH programme, and the potential is there.