Whip-smart and stylised sketch with huge potential

Television 1 is the brand new debut show for Joe Pearson & Rory Cargill, a character comedy sketch show which takes the audience through TV programming of the 20th Century.

Starting with a Alfreds Astonishing Adventures and taking us through to an embarrassing body sketch the pair hit on all the pop culture shows that made TV what it is.

The digital projects on this show are truly exemplary – the production value really setting a tone. From the Television 1 placeholders to the aged up Pots and Pans it really is impressive work. Annoyingly I think this does have the opposite effect to the desired ‘wowing’. The slick idents regularly overshadow some of the in person sketches – with lines being dropped, characters lacking clarity and articulation being problematic. 

What should be said is both of the performers handled a show stop with immense calm, returning to a depleted audience after a break mid-show they jumped straight back in. 

The beauty of the show is how accessible it is. Every age group will identify with one of the in jokes whether it be ‘Red Paul’ or the geordie duo. There are lots of laughs to be had and I’m sure a month into the run the duo will be on top of the running order and lines.

I have a feeling the climax of the show there were some technical issues with a few ‘oh no’ noises from the tech box but again this should be an easy fix. 

Overall there’s a definitely watchability to the pair but feel it does belong on TV.

Television 1 runs at Assembly George Square Gardens August 3-13, 15-27 at 22:20.