As we've come to expect from BBC Radio Four, Live at the Electric and Sketchorama sketch stars Jigsaw, (Nat Luurtsema, Dan Antopolski and Tom Craine) 'Jiggle it' is fast paced, joyfully silly and cooler than the cool side of the pillow… if the pillow was a bag of frozen peas in a hashtag shaped freezer from the future. (Feel free to insert your own analogy here of something that is actually cool.)
Their sketches are cleverly written and effortlessly performed and the show is polished but relaxed. Due to the level of experience and ability the three artists possess, the audience trust Jigsaw implicitly and are open to the range of concepts they throw our way. We are in safe hands. Safe, cool, hands.
Bang up-to-date chart music blasts between scenes and they inventively use props, costume and storage. Yeah, I know you were all wondering about the storage. Relax guys, it was great. They're as far away from the often customary matching 'uniform' of the sketch group, as you can be. Casual dress really works for them and contributes to the overall feel of the show, which I would describe as: NON-drama-studenty-jazz-handsy-try-too-hardy. (I know that's not a proper word but I can't just write cool again.)
Jigsaw don't really throw any traditional character-led sketches your way and instead opt for refreshing, snappy situations, clever ideas and word play. It is enjoyable and consistently engaging to watch Dan, Nat and Tom for an hour as opposed to any over acted characters. It also gives the show a potential for playfulness and flexibility.
On the particular evening I caught the show, a latecomer had blocked Tom's entrance to the stage and was having a little dither looking for a seat. Tom charmingly uttered, 'Excuse me, I'm just about to do some acting.' The lady promptly sat down and he began the next sketch by jogging on the spot. He then stopped and remarked, 'This isn't what I think acting is, by the way.' The audience very much enjoyed this interaction and the following exchange between him and a now slightly corpsing Nat.
If you haven't already, go and see 'Jiggle It'. It is an hour well spent in the company of three insanely accomplished, hilarious performers at the very forefront of sketch comedy. They are compelling, likeable and did I mention – cool?
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Amy Gledhill
You can catch 'Jiggle It' at The Pleasance Courtyard at 16.45 until August 26th.
