Romantic Encounters in a Darkened Room

• Brian Donaldson
• 23 August 2017

An ambitious multimedia and sketch affair from TGN Comedy that hits most of its targets

Last year, TGN (The Good News) operated under quite the radar in a limited-run, late-night Pleasance spot as they delivered Farewell Tim, an inventive and twisty sketch affair that revolved around a deceased friend. One of its members, Charlie Robb, is back with a solo-ish multimedia show in which he's trying to get it on with a lifelong pal. For the majority of his Skype dealings with her, he's unaware of what's really happening (when she appears to be relenting towards his advances, he turns away just as she slugs from a big bottle of spirits) though he does see a bit too much when she gets down and dirty with his childhood nemesis.

Running in tandem with this main narrative line is a sketch show of characters such as the groovy reverend with a dark secret, a tormented children's entertainer, a pranked biology teacher, and some enjoyable horror-movie tropes (another Blair Witch reference makes a comeback after debuting in their show last August). Oh, and all that resides in competition with Robb trying to get his parents and brother to show half an interest in his comedy career.

It's certainly an ambitious Fringe foray and throwing so much at the wall results in not everything quite sticking. But it's a further sign that the TGN lot have a great show up their sleeves not too far down the road.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 28 Aug (not 21), 3.15pm, £7.50–£9.50 (£6–£9).