CowsDrinkMilk

GEORGE WASHBOURN TAKES A LOOK AT UCLU DRAMA SOCIETY’S ANARCHIC SKETCH SHOW

What to say about CowsDrinkMilk? Not being adept at reviewing comedy, I’m almost at a loss in knowing where to begin. First of all, I’m exhausted. Flitting from sketch to sketch with the energy of a firecracker, this bonkers band of buffoonish actors have delivered what must be one of the strangest and most hysterical drama performances I’ve ever seen at UCL. From a despotic Mr Whippy to an episode of Poirot in which nobody dies, this display of anarchic silliness makes for a jam-packed hour of hilarious lunacy.

As our much missed Garage Theatre continues to roam around the various reaches of Bloomsbury, this manic sketch show takes place at the Camden People’s Theatre, not far from campus. It’s a suitably intimate setting, deservingly filled with amused laughter as the troupe wheel out over a dozen sketches with very few misses and whole reel of hits. Charging out of their side dressing room with unadulterated energy at the start of the show, only to then bashfully retreat immediately after, this sets the tone for the animated and schizophrenic show that follows.

Channelling an unmistakably wry British wit, the sketches invoke the more modern comedic sensibilities of shows such as That Mitchell and Webb Look or Armstrong and Miller. The ludicrous yet intelligent and original writing of the show keep the laughs coming, coupled with the fine performances of all involved, which can even derive some giggles out of the staler moments of the show.

Indeed, performing comedy is by no means a cinch and the group take to it like a hyperactive duck to water. A notable performance came, unsurprisingly, from Oliver Marsh, who makes no exception from his strong stand up and recent comedic performance in Henry IV Part I, and who also had a hand in writing the show’s material. It is enough for Sam Plumb just to be on stage to make me chuckle, his nervous and jittery energy being perfect for the numerous roles he inhabits, perhaps seen most chiefly in his role as the ‘sound effects man’ in a sketch involving story telling.

Miranda Evans is a strong performer, making great use of tone and facial expressions, and I would be interested in seeing her in a more serious and dramatic role in productions to come. Kudos also for her brazen appeal to Pi for a 5 star review for the play, taking me aback somewhat as I scribbled her praise into my notepad. An additional mention for Sarah King, whose use of accents instilled comedic life into all of her lines and who was wholly entertaining to behold in her numerous roles.

This is a whip tight performance from a comedy ensemble with heaps of potential. It’s not easy to consistently roll with strong gags and keep our attention, but the show does this admirably with only a few duff moments to speak of. Most of the time, I had no idea what was going on and I’m sure you won’t either. But, like me, you’ll laugh. A lot. It’s a sort of absurd chaos that a simple review can only touch upon, and I therefore urge you to see it and appreciate it for yourself.

★★★★

Catch CowsDrinkMilk at the Camden People’s Theatre on Friday 6 February and Saturday 7 February.