Two Episodes of MASH

Joe Wilkinson and Diane Morgan have fully justified the decision to bring their polished double act back to the Fringe, with some strong new material sharing some of the darkly playful humour found in the 70s TV show that inspired its name. Two Episodes of MASH follows the classic sketch show model of placing unusual, often mythical, characters in mundane situations and average Joes in unusual contexts. They put a slightly darker spin on some of the familiar situations, however, especially when launching into interview and stag do routines which could have been run-of-the-mill in less skilled hands.

The double act succeeds where most sketch shows fail by making the audience eagerly anticipate the outcome of each skit. Morgan's deadpan put-downs provide a perfect foil to Wilkinson's loveable range of deadbeats and deluded losers, and they make it all look far too easy with impeccable timing and an easy manner.

Throughout the show, Wilkinson and Morgan boast of their refusal to shell out much more than a few quid on props; but they employ their budget visual aids to great effect to give their swerving humour ample context. Sound recordings are used to break up the continuous run of sketches with amusing answer phone messages, as well as the occasional mock ad featuring some truly pointless inventions. Though neither the delivery nor the scenarios in Two Episodes of MASH are especially out of the ordinary, Wilkinson and Morgan manage to bring a wonderfully laid-back feel to a carefully constructed and well-rehearsed show.