Review: Max & Ivan @ Warwick Arts Centre, 25th May 2016

Max & Ivan: this is the end

Having embarked on their first ever full tour, sketch duo Max & Ivan (Max Olesker and Ivan Gonzalez) are most likely performing to many audience members for the first time, which seems odd given how long they’ve been a key act on the British sketch comedy scene.

Despite the numerical difference, there are certainly some parallels with one of the other leading sketch acts in the country: Pappy’s. Most notably, both have a predilection for shows which bring together multiple characters and sketches into a narrative whole. Additionally, both have intangible strengths which mean their best work is on the stage, with forays into other media not working quite as well (see Radio 4 series The Casebook of Max & Ivan, which failed to live up to their fearsome live reputation).

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Review: Gein’s Family Giftshop @ Warwick Arts Centre, 16th March 2016

Gein’s Family Giftshop: Award-winning sketch troupe head out on tour

It might be odd to see PE kits on stage – and maybe even bring embarrassing flashbacks for some – but the plain white t-shirts and gym shorts are the uniform of choice for acclaimed sketch act Gein’s Family Giftshop. The trio of James Meehan, Kath Hughes and Ed Easton – aided and abetted by Kiri Pritchard-McLean, who was also the support act here – have carved out a niche as purveyors of dark sketch comedy, and this compilation of the best bits from their past two shows displayed just why they’re so highly regarded.

With inspired sketches about breaking bad news, imaginary friends, and dancing to The Knack’s ‘My Sharona’, the three-piece meld influences such as the delicious darkness of The League of Gentlemen with the violence and energy of The Young Ones for a heady mix of cleverness and filth.

Q&A: Gein’s Family Giftshop

Gein’s Family Giftshop: Award-winning sketch troupe head out on tour

Award-winning sketch troupe Gein’s Family Giftshop are heading to the West Midlands this spring, as part of their debut tour. The hotly-tipped group, named Best Newcomers at last year’s Chortle Awards, will be bringing their dark comedy to Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry and the MAC in Birmingham.

Who’s Laughing Now? caught up with Gein’s – Kath Hughes, Edward Easton, James Meehan and Kiri Pritchard-McLean – to find out what audiences will be treated to at the shows.

A new blog in a new town (sort of)

We’ve been having some hosting issues recently at our original site so this is a new home for Who’s Laughing Now? where we can carry on bringing you the latest reviews, previews, interviews and information about live comedy in Coventry, Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Coming up soon we’ll have an interview with the fantastic sketch outfit Gein’s Family Giftshop, who drop into Warwick Arts Centre and the MAC on their upcoming UK tour, and reviews of the best comedy shows in the area over the next few months.

Keep an eye out for all this and more!