Fresh Bread: Johnny's Favourite Show

In sketch troupe terms, Fresh Bread can be categorized as a 'post-Pappy's' act, both sharing a fondness for poorly constructed props, musical interludes and intentionally corny wordplay. The narrative arc of the Edinburgh residents' hour long debut even revolves around an unseen friend and benefactor.

Well-worn as all their influences may be, where Fresh Bread falter is not in having no voice of their own, but rather in the cracking, pubescent intonation with which the bulk of their material is delivered. The clever word-play that informs the opening 'Good Cop/Bad Cop' sketch survives its hesitant performance, hinting at the troupe's great potential. The following 'Bullying' sketch, however, aspires for a dark tone wholly incompatible with the players' apologetic diction. By the time they reach their 'Womble' piece, much of the dialogue is indecipherable. The quartet are too low key for the most part, failing to imbue their characters with the authority and gravitas that they require.

Fresh Bread are clearly a talented bunch, having pieced together a show rife with original ideas and charming literary references; it's unfortunate that their presentation is so half-baked.