4/5 stars
Following a critically acclaimed summer run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Tealights sketch comedy group returned again to The Library pub to tantalise their home audience with a plethora of weirdly wonderful skits. Proceedings started with the supporting act of self-dubbed “twins” ‘Annie and Jack, who bickered and barraged their way through fast-paced dead-pan scenes which saw Annie frying pancakes as Matilda, and Jack crowd-surfing and advertising Ribena as the drink of a superhero. As a parting reminder of their fantastical humour, a reluctant audience were preyed upon to take part in a human orchestra which was overshadowed by the bellowing of an over-active didgeridoo. Whilst their material was inventive and gag-filled, the personas’ of the ‘twins’ were somewhat half-hearted and self-berating, which only secured sparing laughs.
Having warmed up the audience, the ‘twins’ flitted offstage to make way for the awesome foursome that comprises ‘The Tealights’, which kicked off with a jesting boy band routine that had the audience giggling and guffawing before launching into a varied, energetic and dynamic set. Fine writing and exuberant acting ensured consistent laughter as the boys expertly switched characters, performing group sketches and stand-alone performances. Henry Perryment’s sketch as a reformed drug addict and motivational speaker Sebastian Broadwood was a highlight of the show, and triviality was tempered with macabre wit as the boys personified gossiping housewives at a mothers’ meeting, mocking the deceased to comedic effect with panache and subtly. The Tealights’ limelight ended all too soon with a hilarious scene of Skippy the Kangaroo and Flippy the dolphin being roped in to repress an Australian bush-fire, and unsurprisingly failing. Audience members were left with the lasting image of Barnaby Callaby lolloping on stage as the inanely happy dolphin, with eyes reeling and tongue lapping.
The Tealights show succeeded in entwining the ridiculous and the relatable through talented comedic actors and sharp performances; with twists and turns it only left the audience reeling for more, with a twinge of sadness at the end of the madness. Join them again at their next show and be sure to witness a home-spun ingenious and inventive comedic delight!
Charlotte Duffield