The Stockholm Syndrome @ Capitol, 19 March

The incident fitted in quite well with the vibe of The Stockholm Syndrome’s first night at the MGICF. Once the audience had bonded over cheerfully calling the drunk homophobe in the corner a cunt, the stage was well set for this night of experimental sketches and stand-up.

Altogether, the format of the evening works well and the varying sketch lengths and standup spots keep the rhythm from getting dull. The guest stand-up spots vary in their quality; headliner Phil Nichol clearly had the audience in the palm of his hand, but New Yorker Carla Rhodes was less captivating – her ventriloquism, though vocally skilled, needs something more to connect with the Scottish sense of humour.

The sketches themselves range from mediocre to genius. Whilst their chatline character isn’t quite strong enough to maintain two opening slots, the cash converters sketch was inspired: from the jingle, to the concept, to Elaine Malcolmson’s beautifully macabre performance.

Crucially, the whole thing is held together beautifully by hosts Stephen Callaghan and Davey Connor. They clearly have a strong comedic relationship and translate this chemistry to inspire love from the audience, and forgiveness for any glitches and delays. I expect big things from their careers as stand-ups, and a strong future for the Stockholm Syndrome as a cult classic.