At BBC Comedy Presents

Edinburgh 2010

More Mike Wozniak videos

Superclump – Fringe 2009
Live Review

Superclump are a brand new sketch team, but they come with a fine pedigree. Their engorged cast of nine comprises some of the most hotly-tipped young stand-ups around.

Sketch comedy may be a different beast, but this smart bunch seem on top of this genre, too, producing a fresh, assured and funny debut, with imaginative ideas executed with wit and talent.

There are no grand themes or overarching ‘house style’, which can so often be a problem in defining a sketch group’s identity. But by ensuring that every scene is tightly written and driven by gags, this doesn’t matter – the laughs win through.

Some of the team also bring a surprising physicality to the performance, a trait not always needed in stand-up. Mike Wozniak, who won an if.comedy best newcomer nomination last year for his eloquent monologue, here proves he’s just as good without words, clad in all-over black to be a grand master of kabuki theatre, or miming to an Altered Images track with Henry Paker, whose aloof stand-up persona is similarly abandoned in the successful quest for a laugh.

In this cast of all the talents, its hard to pin down stand-outs, but Welsh fireball Elis James makes for a delightful idiot, whether stripped down to the waist or fully clothed, while the elegantly quirky Nat Luurtsema is always compelling to watch.

The performance skills of the entire cast are backed up by inventive writing that’s offbeat enough to be funny while maintaining a modicum of believability. Favourite scenes include the running gag about banter, the washed-up Aesop struggling to create his next fable, and the Famous Five, now all grown up.

There are a couple of slightly flatter moments, but nothing outstays its welcome, keeping the pace is brisk, but not rushed. It adds to the feeling this is a sketch group awash with youthful vigour and confidence – not to mention a sackful of great ideas.

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I've seen Mike a couple of times and he is without doubt one of the best comedians on the circuit. Wet your pants funny.

Stefan Portland, November 2010

Quite simply - absolutely brilliant - one of my favourite comics.

Romesh Ranganathan, May 2010

I had the pleasure of seeing this impressively 'tached chap as part of the Leicester comedy festival. For me, he has been one of the highlights. He is a great storyteller and his banter with the crowd made it all the more memorable. Well worth checking out.

Christopher Bate, February 2010

Intelligent, original, memorable and very funny material delivered by a natural perfomer - what's not to like?

Hannah, April 2009

I enjoyed his edinburgh show. To be honest it was far better than what Sarah Millican put on display both in structure, content and laughs. It's very easy to talk about relationships, but is it really that easy to talk about dropping muesli down your meatus? While Millican did generic sex toy jokes, Wozniak seemed like a natural storyteller, always referencing previous events that he had told us; his call-backs were brilliant. I can see where Steve is coming from, he is very Herring-esque in style, but I think his material is funny in its own right. Never pedestrian, always original. Definately worth going to watch... I look forward to seeing more of him...

Steve Gibson, April 2009

I was fortunate enough to see Mike at a showcase event this January, I absolutely adored him. from the 'tache to the voice he was fantastic. Perhaps what was most refreshing was that his humor was devoid of unnecessary profanity and was uber science-y (both a huge plus in my eyes). I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to book a comedy gig.

Emily Jayne, February 2009

Awesome. The whole fox / chicken/ bag thing had me laughing for three days. The guy's going to be massive

Billy, November 2008

Saw Mike at the 99 Club last night - while I had great hopes for him from his description - and to be fair to Mike there were people who obviously 'got' him, have to say I didn't think he was funny at all

Mike, November 2008

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