It’s a cliché that Oxbridge comedy troupes over-rely on spoofs. Good job that this set begins with that most tired of parodic flogging horses: the bad cop show. But, turns out, it’s a) not all they have for us, and b) is brilliantly executed. The house is nearly full and everyone’s on their side from the off. The performers are brilliant, possessing a real sense of fun and displaying abundant chemistry; when material goes awry (as it sometimes does), they are able to get back to the what the audience want, which is the only skill comedians really need. The sketches have obviously been written with meticulous care and attention, resulting in comedy not exactly cerebral, but certainly smart.

Underbelly, 4 – 28 Aug (not 17), 4.25pm (5.25pm), £6.00 – £10.50, fpp129.
tw rating 4/5
[jh]