Review: Slightly Fat Features
There seems to be more live comedy than ever at the moment, yet it all seems to be aimed at twenty and thirty somethings with jokes about subjects like Facebook, and adult themes that would make the older generation tut with disapproval. There's clearly a big gap in the market for some family-friendly comedy...
Slightly Fat Features, a seven-strong ensemble of variety performers, are doing a great job of positioning themselves firmly in this family-friendly gap. The group's vaudeville style may not be trendy, but their mix of music hall stunts and classic comedy is targeted to appeal to everyone - and it works.
The group have just finished a week-long sell-out run at The Roundhouse in Camden, at which British Comedy Guide got to sample their Variety In The House show, and witness the group's ability to make everyone from grandparents to young kids laugh.
The show includes magic, juggling, sketch comedy, songs and illusions. There's even a unique spot of speed painting, and a mini assault course for a wind-up robot to traverse. Aside from the odd unique element, much of the material is as old as time itself. However, it's performed with such gusto and goodwill, and with a carefully timed comic touch, the fact it's not exactly cutting-edge fresh becomes a bit irrelevant.
All members of the group are variety veterans, and clearly talented at what they do, as demonstrated early on with an impressive juggling stunt. One asset is that the group has given themselves quite distinct personalities - something the children in the audience can latch onto. Goronwy Thom is the bouncy, instantly likeable upbeat host; Matt Barnard is the big lad - a pro juggler and general joker; Herbie Treehead is the dishevelled, slightly unhinged clown, with some Tommy Cooper-esque magic tricks; Richard Garaghty is the versatile actor popping up as various characters and wigs; Gareth Jones, with a background in street performing, is an escape artist; Jon Hicks is the mysterious, quiet, arty member of the group; and Robert Lee is the multi-skilled musician providing live musical accompaniment.
The show featured a few lulls - an overlong video intro and a couple of self-indulgent un-memorable self-penned songs could have been cut; however these weaknesses are brushed aside by some impressive set pieces.
Highlights included a quick-fire human version of the 'Find the Lady' card trick (pictured below); a pint-sized cowboy (one of the group on their knees - funnier that it sounds); their spoof pretentious magician character 'Wayne Marvell' failing to tame two white lions; and a painting stunt that slows the show down to a near stop, but delivers such an impressive conclusion the crowd very vocally expresses its admiration.
Of particular enjoyment was a twist on the 'swords into a box' routine, which highlights the group's strength in being able to add comic entertainment to an otherwise old and stale trick. A simple cardboard box stops any accusations of a hidden trapdoor, and the swords are replaced with jolly looking umbrellas. The adults in the audience may have been able to work out how the trick was done, but the enjoyment - as is the Slightly Fat Features way - was in the performance. The group danced around the box in such a smiley, happy fashion it was impossible not to grin along with them, and a satisfying gasp emanated from the audience each time they slammed another pointy-tipped umbrella through the box and into the presumably now dead Richard Garaghty inside.
Standing by The Roundhouse theatre doors as the crowd departed, it was clear everyone was leaving very satisfied, with the younger members of the audience excitedly recounting to each other their favourite bits; whilst the older generations were remarking how nice it was to see some 'proper' 'old fashioned' comedy again.
Slightly Fat Features are definitely worth seeking out as they continue to take their unique blend of variety around the UK, especially if you've got a young family to entertain this summer. They'll be popping up next in Lancaster, followed by Komedia Bath, then Banbury and Oxford, with a summer season in Ilfracombe planned.
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