The Cambridge Footlights have such a reputation that their name is practically synonymous with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Founded in 1883, the group has been the launching pad for countless comedy greats, from the Pythons to Mitchell and Webb, Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, and many, many others. For the five members on their ambitious world tour, this is quite a reputation to live up to.
Don’t miss this year’s Footlights, comprising of the crème de la crème of British sketch comedy.
But somehow, they do just that. Wildly funny, with a quality worthy of their predecessors, but with an up-to-date and fun show that appeals to all audiences, Lagoon is an hour extremely well spent at the Edinburgh Fringe. The team, made up of Sarah Creedy-Smith, Guy Emanuel, Sam Grabiner, Jordan Mitchell and Rob Oldham do their predecessors justice, whilst bringing something new to the table.
It was lovely, amongst the mass of poor shows, to just sit back and be entertained with their frolicsome, clever and wickedly funny sketches, covering the themes of childhood, the sexuality of ABBA, and showing off their prowess with accents. The first sketch, set in a guitar shop, was a little bit weak, but the show grew into one of the funniest hours I have experienced this year, going from strength to strength. The conkers sketch and the adorable children’s sleepover and swim race interview were all fantastic, and the 4D finale had audience members close to wetting themselves.
As an ensemble, they work well together, and are remarkable in their delivery, clearly sharing in the enjoyment of the audience, who are in stitches from beginning to end. They have a contagious energy, and throw themselves fearlessly into their material, to great results. All five members are extremely funny, with great material presented with intelligence, wit and enthusiasm.
Don’t miss this year’s Footlights, comprising of the crème de la crème of British sketch comedy. For a fun show full of up-and-coming talent that appeals to all the family, Lagoon is a great choice. Catch this brilliant lot now before they go onto greatness. My only real criticism is that it was too short.
