Reviewer: Selwyn Knight

The Public Reviews Rating:

What might the patron saints of England, Ireland and Scotland discuss in a break for canapés during a conference? Just what is the correct orientation for a plate of chocolate digestives, and, if it is chocolate-side-down, how can one tell it is, indeed, a chocolate digestive?  Beasts is a three man sketch crew for whom these are clearly troubling questions and which they try very hard to answer.

Consisting of Owen Roberts, James McNicholas and Ciaran Dowd, all of whom have worked as actors, writers and directors, Beasts was formed this year. Many sketch shows are rather hit-and-miss, but Beasts is an exception. The show is fast paced and movement between sketches is slick. None of the sketches outstays its welcome. Naturally, the quality of the sketches varies, but they are never less than entertaining and consistently funny, if of the smile and chuckle variety rather than out and out guffaw.  There is a slightly surreal quality to their humour, which also touched at times on the physical – the opening was extremely physical as well as showcasing gymnastic talents that remained hidden subsequently – and childlike. Especially enjoyable was the one man sketch in which an adult reads “Spot the Dog” without irony and with every indication of enjoyment.

Slightly less effective was the sketch in which the Easter Bunny is arrested and questioned after being apprehended hiding eggs and chocolate.

Nevertheless, this was entertaining with no dull moments and worth a look.

Runs until 27th August

Edinburgh Fringe: Beasts - Pleasance Courtyard, 4.0 out of 5 based on 6 ratings

Tags: Beasts, Ciairan Dowd, EdFringe, Edinburgh Fringe, James McNicholas, Owen Roberts, Pleasance Courtyard