Review by Cara Sandys

A real-life motivational workshop can be the most unamusing experience, particularly for anyone who hates role play. But in the capable hands of Kieran and the Joes, this is subverted into a piece of comedy theatre that provides an hour of sheer hilarity.

The three fresh-faced lads create a series of sketches seamlessly linked together with the inevitable flip chart. Each performer contributes perfectly to the show complementing each other perfectly: Joe Markham with his confident control of the workplace and social scenarios, Joe Parham with his rich, deep voice that belies his years and Kieran Hodgson with his youthful appearance and ability to impersonate.

Intelligently written and skilfully acted, the highlight of the show was a portrayal of the suggested ‘best job in the world’: a chocolate taster, re-enacted with such heightened sensuality by innocent-looking Kieran and sensible-looking Joe that one can only imagine how they honed their seductive techniques.

Sketch comedy often suffers because of its fragmented format and the inevitability that some sketches work better than other. But this mock workshop format allows the material to flow and lets the audience's laughter drive it forward rather than be punctuated by applause. As the show gains momentum, the audience is caught up in the comedy tidal wave, culminating in thunderous applause at the conclusion.

The last time I was so impressed with sketch comedy was in 1997 with an unknown act called The League of Gentlemen. If Kieran and the Joes can keep up their level of performing and writing, perhaps Success will be a real-life success story too.

Review date: 13 Aug 2010
Reviewed by: Cara Sandys