The Elegant Gentlreman's Guide to Knife Fighting - Patrick Brammall, Damon HerrimanThis 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.