Charmed Forces

Charmed Forces bound on stage into the dank, smelly surroundings of Just theTonic @ The Caves. The hook of this high-concept sketch show is that the performers are a mediocre variety act entertaining troops in Afghanistan, and while the venue is more Osama's Hideout than Army HQ the trio manage to convey a spirit of upbeat, we're-in-this-together fun, even through their darker material. All three have great comic timing and precise control over their voices and expressions, and use this to make even humdrum lines funny.

There are some excellent ideas over the course of the show; a highlight being a song about the NATO phonetic alphabet that is particularly ingenious. The elaborate fictitious world the troupe inhabits never falters, with each member sticking to their persona perfectly.

The act shows its limitations when some of the ideas are stretched past their natural lifespan; a radio play performed on stage outstays its welcome a bit, and two segments requiring audience participation follow each other making the device seem repetitive. These faults make the show feel like a thoroughly enjoyable and genial hour, but not a packed one. The highs make it well worth sticking through some of the lulls in a unique and clever performance.

Reviewed by Stuart Young 25/08/2010

Charmed Forces
Just The Tonic @ The Caves
14:00 August 26th-29th

Note: In the interests of transparency, I should add that I know some of the people involved in this production.