EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: FOUR SCREWS LOOSE IN SCREWTOPIA, Assembly George Square, August 13 2013

FOUR SCREWS LOOSE come running onto stage fanfare of loud music and high energy and this sets the tone for a fast-paced frenetic hour of musical sketch comedy. These four talented boys combine pop music, singing, rubber faces and traditional sketches with such charm that it's impossible not to be swept along in their enthusiasm.

An audience member unsuspectingly gets pulled into the centre of the show, being forced to write the show from their imagination using a psychic hat. This is a cheeky device that allows the boys to cunningly cover up any slight cracks in the show with a sideways look at poor Elaine.

From the opening sketch, LES MISERABLES meets supermarkets, you realise that FOUR SCREWS LOOSE IN SCREWTOPIA is a cut above other sketch shows on the fringe. Not only can they write songs but they can really sing. Clever rhymes and witty observations keep the hit rate pleasingly high. The odd sketch will always be a miss, but cheeky grins, quick transitions and the promise of a good gag around the corner means they'll always get away with it.

And with a set including a Scottish West Side Story, a Disney look at modern problems, a Bond movie done entirely through pop clips and a rather revealing art class (involving some rather brilliant support from members of the audience) there's little not to love.

The audience were on their feet in Assembly's circus tent and left with grins from ear to ear. These four are going to go far, so see them in a small theatre whilst you've got the chance.

"FOUR SCREWS LOOSE IN SCREWTOPIA" runs at 1805 until August 26th at Assembly George
Square.

Additional (15th August) this has been rated a five-star show by BWW:UK

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