Leeds Tealights: The Ultimate Indoor Experience
Fringe experienced foresome aren't afraid to plunge into the dark side
This is one of the most slickly choreographed sketch shows at the Fringe; it's a feat of co-ordination that no one falls off the tiny stage. This year's four-strong Tealights troupe certainly form a tight and tidy team.
Formed in 2005 at the University of Leeds, Tealights have become a regular outfit at the Fringe. As you might expect there are a fair few highbrow skits; one takes inspiration from Captain Oates, while elsewhere the boys show they know their Shakespeare and aren't afraid to use it.
They're also fond of the dark side with many sketches cutting close to the bone; the new Blue Peter badge and a confessional priest included. In fact there are probably some Catholic school boy backgrounds present given the propensity to name check Jesus and his homies and portraying more than one man of the cloth.
Occasionally the skits dip below par but overall there's some nice material to be found here. Like many who have passed through Tealights before, it's not likely to be the last you've seen of this lot.
Just the Tonic at The Caves, 556 5375, until 25 Aug, 5pm, £7–£9.