Over the last couple of years The Black Sheep have built up a reputation of creating unconventional comedy. Until now this has always been in the shape of sketch shows but their latest offering, Joy of Wine, is an interesting new direction for them.
Set in the sweltering confines of the Pleasance Hut, Andy and Ciaran have decided to introduce us to the world of wine but it’s a level of appreciation that none of us ever considered, and will undoubtedly never want to experience again. While that sounds like an incredibly negative comment it is true, though you have to see the show to truly appreciate it’s meaning.
Joy of Wine quite obviously has its beginning in the Sheep’s weird and wonderful back catalogue and it is nice to be able seeing them stepping out in a new direction. Fans will recognise their characteristic dark and slightly twisted humour but will undoubtedly enjoy their newfound freedom. Unfortunately the boys are slightly restricted by this tiny space and you can’t put help feel that they would be so much better if they weren’t having to perform on a postcard-sized stage.
The Black Sheep, in one form or another, have been entertaining Fringe audiences since ’97 and it looks like they will be continuing to do so with Joy of Wine. It may not be as instantly accessible and enjoyable as their previous shows but it does show that the lads are growing and can only point to good things in years to come.
3/5
Richard Biggs
