Karamazov Brothers Fly into Vaudeville, 20 Jun

The four-strong company – all multi-tasking musicians comedians, acrobats, dancers, jugglers and philosophers from the Monty Python/Marx Brothers mould – come to London direct from New York and an extended run at Off-Broadway’s Minetta Lane Theatre, where they opened their latest offering in July 2010 and will finish next month.

The Flying Karamazov Brothers in New York

Founded by Paul Magid in California in 1973, The Flying Karamazov Brothers have performed around the world, including two West End seasons – at the old Mayfair Theatre in 1981 and the Criterion Theatre in 1994 – and have featured on screen in the likes of Seinfeld, Ellen, The Tonight Show and the film The Jewel of the Nile.

According to marketing material, you shouldn’t be confused by the title as “they don’t fly, they’re not Russian and they’re not brothers. But they are the funniest, most thought-provoking, kilt-wearing, clever idiots in town”, employing in their act a variety of “kilts, moustaches, musical instruments, two thousand cardboard boxes, tutus, topical satire”, and anything that can be juggled.

Producer Jeremy Meadow told Whatsonstage.com that, while the The Flying Karamazov Brothers previous stints in the UK were brief, he was bringing them over now for an extended season after the success of shows such as La Soiree, La Clique, Stomp and Tap Dogs, which proved that London now has an appetite for quirky, alternative theatrical shows. In targeting that market, tickets – which will go on sale next week – will be kept to under £40.

“These guys are silly and rumbustious but also very very bright. They’ll appeal to Londoners who want thoughtful entertainment that will make them laugh but that won’t break the bank.

Currently at the Vaudeville Theatre, Neil LaBute’s two-hander In a Forest, Dark and Deep, starring Matthew Fox and Olivia Williams, is booking until 4 June 2011, having opened on 14 March (previews from 3 March).