Blow the Sketch Comedy Conch : Sketchfest 2017 Launches

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With a Hamilton-esque inspired reading of the night’s troupes by Hot Raw Fire, Sketchfest 2017 launched.

The opening ceremonies began as each troupe came to the stage bearing in hand its standard: for one a crutch, another a stick, a toilet plunger in the hands of a third.

Then a small procession led the trunk containing the comedy conch to the stage. We were told that the conch contains within it, all the laughter of sketchfest’s past. It was removed with dignity from its container and all were asked to cheer as the laughter began.

The show opened with Martin Nolan, who among other things, introduced us to a floundering dj, the secret life of smoke detectors (a film that Peter Travers of Rolling Stone hated) and a Rhode Island delegate’s petition at a Continental Congress that the state be given more land (or at least be renamed since it isn’t even an island). Very funny.

The fastest guy in the world made sure that we couldn’t keep during the transition.

 

Next up, Sketchy as Fuck had a sketch within a sketch (a metasketch). They bickered between bits about who had or had not messed up the sketch in question. In between, we met a family of Americans with a fondness for shooting animals, two bros from Parkdale (Toronto), and most memorable of all, a French “nude” model. Full frontal nudity. Let me repeat: full frontal nudity on stage. This group takes comedy to places that are slightly uncomfortable and it’s hard not to laugh once there.

Sadly, I didn’t get to see the acts on the other half of intermission, but the Definition of Knowledge and The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie look like they would be just as funny.

Sketchfest continues until May 13th. To catch hosts Hot Raw Fire’s show, head to Theatre St. Catherine on May 12 at 10 p.m. Info HERE.