88mph

A show starting at this time is usually on late for a reason – you expect an amount of adult humour, some crude jokes maybe, lots of swearing or dark jokes. What you do not expect is a young, fresh-faced sketch troupe performing a clean show centred around classic movie references.

88mph took characters and scenarios from well-known films and literature, and gave them a complete overhaul. Their reinterpretations of these famous figures are original and cleverly formed, and they have a keen eye for juxtaposition; Superman’s rural Welsh upbringing and the Terminator moonlighting for a phone company are particular highlights.

Their musical performance breaks things up nicely, and live sound effects add to the slapstick comedy in some sketches, but can be quite off-putting in others. Some level of audience interaction would have been welcome: they neither introduced themselves, nor bowed at the end; the live performance feel was missing, and at times it felt like watching TV.

The show had a certain charm to it, and in parts the acting was excellent; there is definite talent within some members of the group, and as their careers progress they are sure to learn and improve. The greatest drawback is the late night slot – family-friendly 88mph would shine in front of a daytime audience.