Aaaand Now for Something Completely Wireless

Racing Minds held the audience kindly and confidently from the very start of this hour-long improvised 1950s radio show. Gentle but not overdone in-character welcoming created a receptive atmosphere. In taking suggestions from the packed-out audience for the initial setup, they cunningly give the picked-upon plenty of time to come up with ideas. A Wodehouse-esque, hilarious hour of improv ensues, with a particularly strong performance from Dougie Walker, who holds the group together, leading an effective pace.

A news and music break (with a delightfully era-appropriate improvised song that I still have in my head) in the middle prevented any fatigue setting in, and although in this instance the show failed to deliver on its promise to name two places in Fife, the lack of local knowledge came across as endearingly funny rather than patronisingly tourist-y, as so many shows can.

My only criticism was that Racing Minds need to get a little more into the crucial 'yes and' spirit of improvisation. A couple of rejections of each other's lines pulled down the energy of the show quite significantly, and poked holes in the otherwise strong impression of a solid team.