Creator: FaceOddity
The show starts with a man in a crisp white shirt and tie, engrossed in a session of self-reflection: listening to headspace. He is ready to realign his life. However, the usual mellow voice we are accustomed to quickly turns sarky, setting the comedic tone of the next hour.
The story revolves around Sandy Surname who ventures into a job centre in a quaint Welsh village serving as the backdrop for his quest to resolve his unemployment. His initial enthusiasm for trying out a multitude of roles is what becomes the driving force behind the narrative.
The structure of the show unfolds through a series of absurd and light-hearted sketches, showcasing the eccentricities of various jobs. At times this set- up feels somewhat predictable. The humour peaks when it cleverly acknowledges the absurdity inherent in British wordplay and through the self-aware gags. However, the writing (Fergus Head, Michael Zwiauer, Tom Hindle, Dan Barber, Will Peppercorn, Max Walker) lacks a distinctive style and fails to carve out a unique and novel niche in the comedic landscape.
The ensemble cast ( Head, Peppercorn, Barber and Hindle) is well-balanced and synchronised, attuned to each beat of the performance. Their unwavering serious commitment to the comedy is evident in their breaking sweat whilst not breaking character. The sketches are characterised by a slapstick style and interspersed with ironic dance numbers. The performers demonstrate admirable physicality and versatility, skillfully embodying diverse characters and mastering comedic timing.
Behind the veil of humour, the show adeptly comments on how society has intertwined jobs with one’s entire sense of purpose, while simultaneously highlighting the irony of a job market that generates roles merely to offer this sense of purpose.
FaceOddity provides a silly and enjoyable comedic performance offering an hour’s entertainment which yet has the possibility to extend beyond amusement.
Runs until 22 November 2023
