Comedy Review: Wit Tank

Lizzie Edmonds reviews one-off comedy night Wit Tank

The one-off night of comedy, a fundraiser for Dugout Theatre’s latest production of Noel Coward’s Hayfever, saw two promising, young, standup acts take the stage. The tone was deliciously silly, wholeheartedly original and executed with an exhaustive fast pace. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

First up was trio ‘Barwick, Hacking and Murphy,’ – all three are current Leeds University students. Their first sketch, a topical song about the pathetic work ethic of British builders versus the outstanding Polish powerhouse was both lighthearted and original. Proving that the three can quite effortlessly dapple in the genre of musical comedy, their overall set could easily accommodate more of material like this.

The general tone of the set was perfect for the audience, which was predominantly students. Steering clear of anything particularly political or satirical, the group focused on purely silly, obscure comedy.  One of the best sketches included Hacking ‘eating a banana like a turtle’ for example. Proving that stand-up doesn’t need to take itself too seriously, these guys were really very impressive in their capability to take something seemingly ridiculous and make it absolutely hilarious.

Barwick Hacking and Murphy, only need more practice, more set dates, to make them perfect. A fact highlighted as soon as Wittank took to the stage. The group took Edinburgh by storm this year, which landed them at the top of numerous recommended lists of renowned publications. The most impressive thing about the threesome was their perfectly slick execution, moving front sketch to sketch with utter ease: no doubt the product of a month of Edinburgh performances.

Although the group had obviously performed numerous times before, the set was never flat or over-rehearsed: it still felt fresh. Having said that, some of the best comical moments were ad-lib, which should be received as a compliment. It proves that, at the core of the group are three very funny people and who will no doubt have a successful career ahead of them.

The material was massively varied in content and consequently engaging: it would be virtually impossible to get bored. The hour flew by in a flurry of ridiculousness but never seemed jarred or stretched.  Overall, the night was hilarious from start to end. A fantastic example of young standup comedy that had the audience in stitches throughout.