The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)

This latest comedy offers an abridged version of the Bible in less than two hours. Anyone who has seen their other two shows in the West End will know what to expect as they keep the same formula here. This is probably why I did not find it as amusing as the other two. There did not seem to have been much imagination put into the show, the writers were very much copying ideas instead of being a little more adventurous.

We have all the usual stunts, men dressing as women, silly songs and even sillier jokes. There is the picking out of unsuspecting people from the audience who are dragged on to the stage for some 'animal noises'. It is all predictable, but nothing wrong with this providing the material is hot, but sadly it is not. Considering the subject matter this comedy should have been a lot funnier, but instead looked tired. Having said that, the show does have its moments and it is a show which is not too taxing, which makes it perfect for escaping the real world with some harmless fun.

The performances are superb from Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor and Matt Rippy, they are all multi-talented and it is their performances that make the show watchable.

The popular press seem to like the show better than me. NICK CURTIS of THE EVENING STANDARD says " This miracle of miniaturisation is slick, fast and funny.." DOMINIC CAVENDISH of TIME OUT says " It has that desultory, make-it-up-as-you-go-along feel which will probably appeal to most theologians." PETER HEPPLE of THE STAGE says " It is a show that induces constant smiles rather than hysterical laughter, crisply performed with a variety of props and costumes, and built on strong traditional show business principles.."

An average comedy that should be better!

(Darren Dalglish)