Bad boys get all the laughs

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 24th Jul 2000.

BAD boys are more fun! It's official.

This zany sitcom is set in outer space where three very different guys are living in a house encased in concrete.

The writing is tight, the dialogue sharp, timing fast, delivery spot on and occasionally off the cuff but always funny.

The three comedians appearing in Before The Fringe kept up the spanking pace through the whole piece of kooky theatre.

Intertwined with the original gags were pieces of music or songs sung by the founder member of B.A.D. Company, Ian Boldsworth.

His cleverly crafted rendition of Robbie Williams Angels, in praise of a doughnut, was sheer witty ditty gone bananas.

Ian was accompanied in bizarre fashion by Rob Rouse on guitar.

Rob started off as a stand-up comedian and won the Channel Four competition So You Think You Are Funny.

He is. More slapstick than the other two, he plays the dork in the sitcom and obviously loves every minute of his clowning around.

The third comic musketeer is equally as happy as a straight actor.

Jon Williams has worked in both TV and films and he has one of those faces that you know you've seen somewhere before.

As a comedy actor he is top notch, his subtle approach contrasted beautifully with Ian's biting sarcasm and Rob's gawky innocence.

Terrific ideas and talented writing from a trio which, in true Arts Centre tradition, should make it to the top.

My Scottish friend, Liz, a veteran of the Edinburgh Festival, said that they will go down a bundle at the Fringe.

Cracking show! Shame that most of Swindon could not be bothered to move from the sofa.

I predict you will be able to see them on TV real soon.

But then again there is nothing quite like the cut and thrust of live comedy theatre.

Arts Centre, Swindon.

By Flicky Harrison

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