This is not Fast Forward. Or Skithouse. Or Ronnie Johns, for that matter. It’s certainly no Comedy Company. (Look them up, people – they were things once.)
The Elegant Gentleman’s Guide to Knife Fighting is new sketch comedy from the pens of the Jungle Boys (Trent O’Donnell, Phil Lloyd & Jason Burrows) that doesn’t just push sketch comedy in a ‘different direction’, it picks it up kicking and screaming and carries it over there; then consoling it at their collective bosom whilst changing it’s nappy of shame which it soiled in the process.
This from the same people that brought us Review with Myles Barlow and A Moody Christmas. You get the idea. Fair warning and all that.
A stunning cast are equal to the task set by the intelligent (and sometimes quite base) writing: Patrick Brammall, Lloyd, Damon Herriman, Georgina Haig, Darren Gilshenan, Robin McLeavy, Craig Anderson, Janis McGavin & Dave Eastgate all shine across the ensemble pieces, each in the various characters and moments. There are moments in the pilot episode where the viewer may think they’ve finally got a handle on where the show is heading or how far they’ll go in that direction and the next sketch turns it all on about. The “Prius Driver” and “Safety Officer” sketches were highlights – in saying that it’s like picking your favourite child (easier for some than others).
Viewers will be rewarded across the episode(s) with some very funny performances and comedy that will challenge and perplex. That’s the best part of this series for this reviewer: Some things you’re just not supposed to understand. Just accept that an Amish person is performing IT support and get on with your life. Go tweet something, you snarky hipster.
Thank you, ABC1, for the return of hilarious, uncomfortable, giggle-inducing, awkward sketch comedy. The Elegant Gentleman’s Guide to Knife Fighting* is sure to put the cat among the pigeons of comedic taste and we’re long overdue the shit-covered statue that will be the debate surrounding it’s screening.
It’s ever so funny. Do watch it.
The Elegant Gentleman’s Guide to Knife Fighting – Wed 9pm, ABC1.
*Website not live at time of review.
You have such little knowledge of comedy or critical ability that your blogging platform should be taken away from you and buried in a ditch. This show is so average the even the ABC is bumping it’s timeslot. It is the Flipside (look it up) of today. A bunch of people who’ve never had to make a live audience laugh thinking it’s easy. It’s not and this show is poor.
Hi Billy – Thanks for being gentle. At least I know you’re as honest with the truth as you are with your spelling and grammar. What a shame you spend so much energy on being angry & not appreciating quality comedy when you are presented it for free on the ABC.
This show is so negative, with so many of the jokes stretched out much too far, that I frankly find very little funny with it. I like A Moody Christmas and Review with Myles Barlow alot, but not this so much. I will respect your opinion, unlike Billy C, as some people do seem to enjoy it, and that doesn’t make them any worse people, but I don’t find it very good at all.