Low Down

A series of impressively clever sketches linked together with a running narrative of dialogue between the two performing characters, this is a sketch show for a new age. Fresh, original and tech-savvy, the sketches themselves are the best part of the production, and Mould and Arrowsmith perform them with a catchy blend of energetic chemistry and wry cynicism. The production features a PowerPoint presentation that sometimes acts as a backdrop, sometimes as a third character, sometimes as a computer screen, but always as an interesting new comic device.
 

Review

The show’s underlying narrative is based on the two performers themselves; we watch as Mould writes a letter applying to Arrowsmith for the job, we see his rejection letter in favour of his more talented brother, we hear how his brother tragically beat himself to death with a polo mallet, and so on. Interspersed in this narrative are the sketches themselves, most of which use the PowerPoint presentation, projected onto a screen that takes centre stage, to great comic effect. Relying so heavily on the screen to back up the production might have led to awkwardness, but the presentation has been designed very well indeed. The overall effect is not totally slick, but rather amusingly informal, original, very accessible, and very funny indeed.

The script is very cleverly written indeed, and is what makes the show so great. Unusually for sketch comedy, it is on occasion almost impossible to guess what the punch line is going to be, or in what new direction the sketch is going to career. The computer set-up is excellent, the projected presentations fitting in perfectly with the performers like a third performer, and while it could have simply been gimmicky, it is used smartly and originally to create some genuinely unique moments.

Mould and Arrowsmith themselves are brilliant in the sketches, delivering lines with excellent timing and dry wit. Oddly, it is when they play themselves that they let down the performance somewhat. Lines are delivered slightly uncomfortably when Mould and Arrowsmith are Mould and Arrowsmith, compared to when they are, say, Chris Tarrant and a contestant, with the exception of the deviously clever final scene. This gripe aside, the show was a joyful one to watch, and looking around I could tell that the rest of the audience thought so too.

If you find yourself nearing tea-time, a little grumpy, with nothing to go see, this show will lift your spirits. They even, uniquely, offer to fix your broken laptop if you bring it to the show. Mould and Arrowsmith are utterly unique, and laugh-out-loud funny. A sure-fire hit.
 

Reviewed by N Woolf 10 August 2008

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Mould and Arrowsmith