Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 – REVIEW – In Cahoots ****.5

In Cahoots, Meadow Bar 12pm, until 25 Aug, Free

The cast of ‘In Cahoots‘ comprises Paul G Raymond and Luke Manning who have evidently invested a substantial amount of their time  creating and rehearsing a comedy sketch act that is fluid, funny and, frankly, flipping hilarious.

Raymond and Manning combine their raw talents to portray a range of characters and scenarios that are bold and audacious. Scenarios come thick and fast, as do the laughs, and the accent tally increases by the sketch. The acting abilities and facial expressions of the energetic duo make for a highly entertaining hour.

The welcoming environment created at the start of the set make the pair instantly likeable, with audience participation adding to the genuine humour that ensues.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUfijBg-ibw]

The numerous worlds which the audience are led into contain well-paced dialogue, and the show has an overall accomplished feel, although two or three sketches do leave a little room for further polishing.

If they do return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next year, which they hopefully will, they will require a far bigger venue to accommodate the seating demand and buzz surrounding the pair. The Meadow Bar has served them well though, in that they have proven that they have what it takes to make excellent use of their current capacity.

This could be one of those acts that go on to televised stardom leaving you to reflect on the day  you saw them in their debut free production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013.

I feel sorry for everyone who is unable to make their 12 midday slot due to work or other commitments – if you can schedule your lunch break accordingly, or if you are available and looking for an early afternoon hoot, look no further.