Sinful (Salford)

Venue: Studio
Where: Salford

Carly Tarett, who writes and performs Sinful, comes from a background of comedy improvisation. Yet, with an assist from dramaturg Mike Heath, she makes the piece a theatrical experience rather than just a collection of jokes.

Tarett’s update on the seven deadly sins is told through well-realised characters instead of as a monologue. The transition between sketches flows smoothly with the titles of each of the sins subtly displayed on furniture and clothing. This approach gives us a varied evening – Tarett shows her wide range of skills by delivering Sloth as a song.

Gluttony is straightforward comedy with health instructor Becks using the latest fad of ‘imaginercise’to distract her class from a tray of donuts. Tarett’s desperate, and very physical, performance is hilarious and Becks’ brittle personality is subtly conveyed in her habit of pronouncing ™ ‘ trademark’ after every word of jargon. Lust, on the other hand draws humour from the entirely unexpected, and rather charming, plot development. The absurdity of a librarian taking offence at the legend of Little Red Riding Hood, in Wrath, is made believable by Tarett’s increasingly psychotic performance.
 
Some sketches are more successful that others .The twist in Greed and Envy is not too hard to guess. Pride offers a politician who is as out of touch with reality as Cameron and as verbally challenged as Prescott. The wordplay is superb but the sketch would be even better if Tarett could decide if it is intended to be simply humorous or to make a political point.
 
All told though, Sinful is a refreshing blend of sketch comedy and theatrical presentation that makes for a thoroughly entertaining evening.

– Dave Cunningham