Don’t be disheartened by the start of this show, which hints at predictably 'unpredictable' student japery – what follows is far better than that.

Tommy is Tom Bell, a scruffy, wan fellow who looks in urgent need of a square meal, while his co-star Ed Weeks is a slick, besuited ladykiller. They mock each other mercilessly – like brothers but with a more imaginative line in insults. Bell, Weeks says, looks like 'a Dickens reject'. Weeks, Bell counters, resembles 'a Tory with mumps'. Their relationship is about the only thing in this dizzyingly inventive show that seems to follow any sort of established template.

With echoes of the ever-pervasive Mighty Boosh (thankfully, faint enough not to be too irritating), the pair gleefully crack open a Pandora's box of surrealistic creations that play mischievously with expectations. The nuances of flirtation are neatly observed in a sketch about two dog owners, which progresses in a fairly logical way but finishes somewhere north of WTF? while the concept and development of a laughter track as some sort of flying insect is just inspired. This is a landscape where the sublime and the ridiculous don't just meet, they fall in love and have babies. The pair have an excellent feel for balance that's crucial in preventing surreal comedy from becoming a big pile of in-joke gibberish. For every far-fetched, Peter Cook flight of fancy, there's a Dudley Moore guffaw to gently bring things back down to earth. They are also frighteningly tight. Even when dictating crop rotations like they're verbal Viagra or floating the idea of a Metric Conversion Goat, this is pissing about mapped with military precision and trimmed of hollow self-indulgence. As brilliant as a fish on a bicycle and even more preposterous.

24th August 2009

It turns out surrealist comedy isn't dead, it was just hiding behind the second rainbow on the left. 'Tommy And The Weeks' had the audience eating out of the palms of their hands by the third minute with a unpredictability and verve that was astonishing to watch. Even those unconvinced initially by their Python-esque style by the end found themselves roaring with laughter, owing to a deftness of touch and timing. Add to this their willingness to let reality bite and of course their 'award winning diction' and you have a nicely balanced, hugely polished show. An original use of props and some off-beat costumes added colour and both performers did well in avoiding tangents. Go on, rent a rainbow.

28th August 2009

Tommy and The Weeks make a suitably mismatched pairing visually; one gaunt, wiry and slightly dishevelled, the other of solid frame and smartly dressed (oh and he really does have a startling resemblance to Stephen Mangan) – they rarely miss an opportunity to take advantage of this contrast in their biting mutually abusive and consistently amusing matey banter.

There are some insanely brilliant ideas in this hour, sketches that start off being slightly random and then grow into increasingly bizarre scenarios. Their approach to the format is straightforward and unpretentious, they are a double act presenting a series of sketches and their style and delivery never assumes to be anything more. Their tongues are firmly in their cheeks throughout whilst also never allowing themselves to stray into self-absorbed territory despite their slightly deconstructed approach.

The show maintains a strong pace without ever sinking, sparks of genius litter the writing with some of the skits and sequences dazzling with sheer brilliance. Strong concepts are nurtured and tangentially grow to such an extent that they become mind wrenchingly obscure… but in a very good way.

This was my first ever Tommy and the Weeks experience but I have wanted to see them for a while due to their strong reputation, they have totally justified themselves as thoroughly recommendable. It’s no wonder they keep coming back to the Fringe for more and it’s no wonder people keep coming back to see more of them.

25th August 2009

Tom Bell and Ed Weeks are complete opposites, but wonderful, beautiful things can happen when opposites attract.

As songstress Paula Abdul once so rightly pointed out, “It ain’t fiction, just a natural fact. We come together, cause opposites attract”. This is certainly true of sketch duo Tommy and the Weeks, regardless of the fact that neither of them is an animated cat. Making up in gags what they lack in numbers, Tom Bell and Ed Weeks kick off proceedings with a good old sing-song of some eighties classics, with the audience heartily joining in. This is a slick show and the boys slide in and out of sketches so naturally it’s some times surprising to realise you’re in a new sketch.

There are some really original ideas in here, be it a clubbing shepherd or a mathematical faun. There’s a genuine sense of fun about the show, clearly demonstrated by the fact that the pair are enjoying themselves so much on stage. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the show and find your self truly touched by the moments of pathos. Both are excellent actors and pull off the act of talking over each other for comic effect better than it’s been done for years.

It’s hard to talk about the show with out spoiling all the gags, but it’s a quotable and laugh-out-loud adventure. Ed Weeks exudes confidence, and Tom Bell oozes indie charm. Watching their love/hate relationship unfurl is a truly enjoyable experience. Whatever these boys do next, it’s great to see some one taking comedy so seriously.

Highlights include Ed Weeks' solo song, Tom Bell’s worst (or best) ever date, and some really great painting. See this show: you’ll be moved, amused and leave with a smile on your face.

12th August 2009