Tiger Dublin Fringe 2016: DoomDah
Photo credit: Ste Murray
****
DoomDah delivers some choice cuts
There’s this thing that happens to people when you mention the words Foil, Arms and Hog. Instantly their mood brightens, they relax, their expression changes, looking like a kid that’s just been told they can have the day off school and all the chocolate they can handle. They become animated, wanting to tell you of the last time they saw them live, or of one of their many sketches they’ve seen on YouTube, as if they themselves are responsible for discovering the kings of YouTube comedy. If you’re familiar with Foil, Arms and Hog, you jump into the conversation, exchanging stories up to the point where you begin trading blows over what’s their best sketch. If you’re unfamiliar with Foil Arms and Hog, you might wonder what all the fuss is about? Well, you need wonder no more. Devotee or potential convert, take yourself down to Smock Alley Theatre to see their latest show, ‘DoomDah’ which is leaving Fringe audiences feel absolutely excita and delighta.
'DoomDah' has all the Foil, Arms and Hog signature trademarks of songs, sketches, audience interaction and absolute hilarity. At times there’s a feel of the gameshow about 'DoomDah,' so well do they interact with their audience, who almost function like a fourth member of the troupe. With a mixture of YouTube favourites and live material, 'DoomDah' introduces you to the person who can do everything a phone can do, a lesson in how to speak Dublish and an orgiastic game of tennis. There’s a one man show where the lines blur between audience and performer, a fitting metaphor for Foil, Arms and Hog, and an introduction to your favourite stereotypes. Musically, 'DoomDah' is a little light on the ground, with a song about power obsessed, control freaks being the only real musical highlight of any substance. Here we meet lanyard man, key chain man and several other stereotypes who like to lord it over others, including comedy critics. Incidentally, that 'DoomDah' was originally was going to be awarded twenty-five stars but is now reduced to four, has nothing whatsoever to do with the aforementioned sketch.
Foil, Arms and Hog are "so Fringe." They love their audience, and their audience love them. Those coming new to this comedic cult might well be struck by the high level of skill on display in 'DoomDah, which is second to none in terms of acting, improvisation, impersonation, audience interaction and comic timing. It doesn’t just happen that these guys are that good. They’ve earned it. So don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the most laugh out loud, hilarious, four star shows of the festival, and get to see what all the fuss is about.
'DoomDah' by Foil, Arms and Hog runs at Smock Alley Theatre as part of Tiger Dublin Fringe until September 20th
For more information, visit Smock Alley Theatre or Tiger Dublin Fringe
