Un-named Sketch Show a review by Hayden Clewes

Un-named Sketch Show

Slice of Life Art Gallery.
1636 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC
October 19 th , 2024

I believe that we can all agree that there is nothing like a great laugh. Sometimes, it is indeed the best medicine. I have been to several comedy sketch shows, and they certainly can be hit and miss. Regardless, it takes a lot of bravery to perform in a show such as this. You are far more vulnerable in a performance like this than one is in an ensemble of a musical or play. Expressing one’s comedic side requires a certain confidence unlike any other. We all know what it’s like to hear crickets after someone has made an attempt at a laugh and you can almost feel time slow down for them. Fret not with this hilarious round-up of wonderful performers, magnificent comedians and brilliant writing.

Slice of Life Art Gallery is a uniquely designed venue with both elaborate and simplistic art from paintings, sketches, nicknacks and fine sculptures. Unexpectedly, a wonderfully intimate performance space is found beyond the gallery and sits roughly 50-75 people. It is a delightful space with incredibly kind staff who are just as ready for a fun evening of laughter as you will be as well. There are items available for purchase before you sit yourself at a mini bar such as beer, wine and snacks.

Once you have supplied yourself with a tasty snack or beverage, you are set to enjoy a hilarious show. As mentioned, these types of shows require a lot of comedic skill, great timing and fine delivery and these performers have packed this show with all of that. It is one of the most diverse and wonderfully performed comedy sketch shows I have ever seen. The comedic timing and delivery are brilliant from everyone involved.

The show provides a diverse array of different styles of sketch comedy. From a news update similar to Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update.” To the classic “Helping Hands” improv game and many classics and originals in between. To go from one but to the next is a great task and to have the transitions run smoothly is an even greater one; they have managed to make the scene changes and transitions swift, smooth and flawless. There was not a single moment of dead air- bravo, I say! It is not a completed sketch show without some musical numbers, and they come in a fine mincing sprinkled over the material so there is some toe-tapping but certainly doesn’t take away from the comedic deliveries and skits. They are so brilliant and original; it was impossible not to laugh out loud like a hyena. Without giving too much away, you’ll find the performers dressed in a classic British-styled phone booth, one dressed as a full parking meter and many more hilarious and bizarre costumes that will make you laugh and wonder, “how on earth did they make those?” It’s a great variety of wardrobe which is a huge part of sketch shows; the ability to differentiate your characters so greatly as you play many in a two-hour slot.

The great array of different skits and bits that they do is something to marvel as going from one to another so smoothly is truly impressive. Some of the highlights include a murder interrogation gone cliche; a very much over the top but perfectly delivered murder interrogation with a moustached- Rebecca Wass as the inspector. With her brilliant stage presence, well-paced delivery and threatening and poignant spins to the suspect, her comedic skills shined through, but I felt like I needed to confess my sins myself.

Another was the bickering co-anchors. In kin to Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” this gave me a wonderful nostalgic feeling of watching Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtain sitting at the news desk. These two performers had wonderful charisma and though the bickering nature of their conversation was believable, it’s quite obvious that these two get on quite well, off-stage. They share a grand comedic connection and worked off of one another so well.

As mentioned before, a classic improv sketch and game, “Helping Hands.” These two worked together so well, it took myself and a few other audience members to notice that it was in fact a separate performer behind the principal actor, using their hands instead of the principal’s. With smacks of powder to the face and all the other unfortunately hilarious mishaps that can happen like food being smeared all over her clothing and face, Adamandia Coumbos powers through with aplomb and delivers a terrific performance amid the chaos.

This was an absolutely brilliant night of live comedy and theatre. There was not a single moment that I did not enjoy. I would recommend everyone keep their eyes peeled for an upcoming show as this was just a great night all around. You can tell that that was a work of love and passion and that the performers are enjoying every second of what they are doing. And they’re doing it so well. These performers are incredibly passionate about performing, creating and delivering a terrific show and there is no doubt that another brilliant one awaits in the future.

The Un-named Sketch Show is directed by Sarah Conway. It is produced by Karinga Wells, Maddy Rafter and Jorelle Almeda. As well, produced by Joe Stilwell who serves as the production’s showrunner. These talented people certainly know how to create a wonderful night of live theatre and comedy. With a marvelous cast and crew, this show was a truly great success and there was not a quiet voice in the audience throughout the entire night.

Bravo!