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Bruce Dessau's rating
Ants that blow you away
By
Bruce Dessau
9 Aug 2007
There are so many familiar troupers at the Edinburgh Fringe it is thrilling when an unknown act blows you away. Sketch quartet Idiots Of Ants is that kind of act. Not sick, dark or fashionably twisted, just very, very funny.
The only thing keeping these mostly ex-Birmingham University newcomers from five stars is a skit about breaking bad news in an unlikely way. It's so close to an old Fast Show routine Paul Whitehouse should consider consulting m'learned friends.
Sketch shows are usually hit and miss but this boasts an astonishing hit rate.
Particular favourites were their stiletto-sharp spoof of women's tittle-tattle, a post-Tarantino rewrite of 'Allo 'Allo and a dissection of flatulence-based humour. Everything is executed with verve.
Laugh? I even put my pen down to applaud.
• Until 27 August (edfringe.com).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
