Sketches: Popular vs Interesting

Wanted to ask for some advice and views.

I'm currently trying to put a script together of 10 of my best sketches. I wrote up a running order last night and one of them is my 'Swimming Pool Sketch' which is currently on the 'Critique' board. Today I have written the 'Late For Work Sketch' which is also on the 'Critique' board.

As David Bussell pointed out, the two sketches are quite similar. They both involve a ridiculous story turning out to be true.

'Late For Work' seems to have been more popular and I would say it has more laughs than 'Swimming Pool'. However, I feel that ‘Swimming Pool’ is a more interesting piece of work.

Do I go for the popular vote or what I consider to be the stronger piece? The other 9 sketches I have are probably more 'laugh fest' pieces than 'interesting, sinister' pieces.

I'm not looking for reviews on the above sketches, but I just wanted to know what other people would do in this situation.

Perhaps I go for the ‘Late For Work’ one. Then put together a collection of 10 pieces with a similar theme to 'Swimming Pool'.

I just thought the "Late For Work" one was a lot better. If it were me I'd plump for that one of the two fo' sho'.

I'd say they're runners, and I'd use both. But I'd find a way of linking them. Maybe the same hapless employee, or a catchphrase. Runner sketch's are good, as most TV shows use them, as people like familiarity (and producers like cheapness)

If forced to choose Swimming Pool.

I should add that as much as I liked 'Swimming Pool', it did need some tightening. 'Late for Work' was certainly the tidier sketch. What I enjoyed about 'Swimming Pool' though, was the way it twisted and turned on itself. Having just the one turn in 'Late for Work' made me feel like I'd seen it before but better and with more pathos.

To your question - I believe only you can be the arbiter of which is of the sketches is 'best'. Consider yourself lucky that you've got two very good sketches to wrestle over.

Quote: David Bussell @ March 19, 2008, 4:12 PM

you've got two very good sketches to wrestle over.

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I'll get me fighting pants.