It seems that people are knocking this show a little too harshly, and not appreciating it's light-hearted and fun nature. The gimmick of seeing kids act as adults is nothing new - ( Remember the 1976 movie Bugsy Malone?), but with seeing a talented cast deliver comedy sketches, the producers have definitely come up with something fresh and fun. All the performers are good, but special mention must go to Will Poulter, Max Brown, Beth Rylance, and Ella and Lilly Ainsworth, who really are top notch. Overall, as with a lot of sketch shows, there are hits and misses, but I found there to be more hits in this than in a host of other so-called comedy sketch shows currently airing. The wonderful spoofs of 1940's Noel Coward plays, but with added gayness are hilarious, as are the Saffa's, and the Polish workers taking advantage of the stupid English. I also love the Museum Perv, the therapy sessions, and the various music spoofs, when the cast launch into miming a popular song, whose lyrics match the nature of the sketch. All in all, a good series, which deserves a better response than most appear to have given it on this site.
11 Reviews
'Never work with kids' is so last century.
mike-flaws6 October 2009
I can imagine the craziness the youngsters unleashed on the set of the new series, School of Comedy, and how they simply must have driven all adults on set to distraction. I can't imagine how frustrated the director must have been, trying to handle a cast of dozens of talkative, unfocused, buzzing children. However, the attempts certainly, somehow, paid off.
The performances these kids gave, particularly Son of Rambow's Will Poulter, was nothing short of perfection. Being part of the shows target audience, I smiled. And I laughed. It's not just an adult sketch show, it's charming, witty, and the timing these children hold is superb. I believe in some of these young talents we are looking at the next Armstrong and Mitchell and Miller and Webbs of the sketch genre. And it's great to see such great talent emerging in the UK.
Previous reviewer mentioned how the writing let down the show. And I'm afraid I have to agree with him, he makes a good point. I nearly turned over at the adverts because the laughs were not coming fast enough, and that's down to the awkward situational writing. There's a certain creative spark but unfortunately, it's only flickering.
I didn't change channels and I'm glad. School of Comedy is a feel good sketch show performed by a highly talented new cast with buzzing energy, wit and charm.
The performances these kids gave, particularly Son of Rambow's Will Poulter, was nothing short of perfection. Being part of the shows target audience, I smiled. And I laughed. It's not just an adult sketch show, it's charming, witty, and the timing these children hold is superb. I believe in some of these young talents we are looking at the next Armstrong and Mitchell and Miller and Webbs of the sketch genre. And it's great to see such great talent emerging in the UK.
Previous reviewer mentioned how the writing let down the show. And I'm afraid I have to agree with him, he makes a good point. I nearly turned over at the adverts because the laughs were not coming fast enough, and that's down to the awkward situational writing. There's a certain creative spark but unfortunately, it's only flickering.
I didn't change channels and I'm glad. School of Comedy is a feel good sketch show performed by a highly talented new cast with buzzing energy, wit and charm.
Not great, but not bad either
rbaylis10 October 2009
I was dubious about the idea behind this show, and at times am still uncomfortable about gaining laughs from children swearing, whether they are behaving as adults or not. Of course they know all of the words but that doesn't mean using them is right. Fortunately the best sketches so far are the ones without any swearing - with the sole exception of the farmer sketch for episode 1 which depended on it for the punchline.
I agree however that some of the sketches just aren't funny, and yet it has little to do with the performances of the child actors. Will is very good and I'm looking forward to seeing him as Eustace in the next Narnia film.
When the writing is good it is very good. The Job Interview sketch from episode 2 with the names confusion was classic two-handed comedy. But too many fail to deliver clear comedic content and should have been rejected. Better to have made a shorter series with premium content instead of thinning out the laughs with weaker material. Perhaps those with recurring characters will become funnier as they develop over time, but so far the Pub Landlady has failed to impress.
I will continue to watch in the hope that it delivers on the potential that I believe is in the show.
I agree however that some of the sketches just aren't funny, and yet it has little to do with the performances of the child actors. Will is very good and I'm looking forward to seeing him as Eustace in the next Narnia film.
When the writing is good it is very good. The Job Interview sketch from episode 2 with the names confusion was classic two-handed comedy. But too many fail to deliver clear comedic content and should have been rejected. Better to have made a shorter series with premium content instead of thinning out the laughs with weaker material. Perhaps those with recurring characters will become funnier as they develop over time, but so far the Pub Landlady has failed to impress.
I will continue to watch in the hope that it delivers on the potential that I believe is in the show.
I almost didn't watch it when I saw the first sketch but......
eadverts11 October 2009
I almost didn't watch it when I saw the first sketch, I thought it was just going to be a one gimmick show but......These kids are amazing!!!!!! I hope the material stays strong enough to highlight their brilliant talents.
The second show fell off a bit but I hope it recoups some of the absolute brilliance of the 1st show in the series. I really like the lesbian jokes. I like that the kids are NOT asked to be sexual in these bits, but just edgy and witty.
And wow, they can really run rings around any actor (kid or adult) with some of the dialogue requirements ,such as, the character "Steve" in the "Pitch-Bitch" skit.
Lots of range on these kids. Let hope they get good material to show it off.
The second show fell off a bit but I hope it recoups some of the absolute brilliance of the 1st show in the series. I really like the lesbian jokes. I like that the kids are NOT asked to be sexual in these bits, but just edgy and witty.
And wow, they can really run rings around any actor (kid or adult) with some of the dialogue requirements ,such as, the character "Steve" in the "Pitch-Bitch" skit.
Lots of range on these kids. Let hope they get good material to show it off.
Brilliant Cast Speaks Well for the Future of Britsh Acting & Comedy.
bboyminn6 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I think this show as great potential, and the cast is certainly brilliant on all fronts. It makes me feel very good about the future of acting and comedy in the UK.
But, I do agree that the writing got a bit lazy at times. Though there are some characters, like Leonard Lizard, who for me, expressed deep pathos. The man (Will Poulter) for all his wealth, power, and privilege broke my heart every time he was on the screen.
And the 'Two Men in the Van' sketches absolutely cracked me up.
The basic premise is not just kids playing adults, but playing their view of adults, with all the irrationality, banality, and crudeness in tact. Does it go a bit over the top, yes.
But let me remind you that there is also a British comedy in which an adult plays and skews an adult's view of what kids are like. It is equally absurd, and in this case, just painful to watch. Who in their right mind thinks it's a good idea for someone in their 40's to play a kid?
But absurdity is the point, because from the view of a neutral outsider, adults are irrational nut cases who are not fit to be in charge of the world.
So, the underlying point is not that they are playing adults, but that they are playing a kid's view of how completely out of it adults are.
Further, the UK has something of a tradition of quirky, oddball, off center comedy. Think Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Benny Hill. I think School of Comedy fits very nicely into this off kilter tradition of British Comedy.
Yes, the sketches can be crude, but adults can be crude as well, and frequently it is the seemly respected reputable adults that can be the crudest of all. However, in most sketches, as I've implied, I feel the underlying pathos. And as I've also said, the Will Poulter character Leonard Lizard never failed to break my heart.
Various sketches can be found on Internet video sites, the largest of which shall remain nameless, but they are not complete episodes. None the less, they do demonstrate the tremendous pool of young talent that is being drawn on in these sketches.
I think the entire cast is brilliantly talented, even if lazy, too obvious writing sometime doesn't bring out their best. Given their ages, I see bright futures for all of them in both comedy and drama.
Far more than being a brilliantly funny sketch show, School of Comedy is a showcase for brilliant young talent.
But, I do agree that the writing got a bit lazy at times. Though there are some characters, like Leonard Lizard, who for me, expressed deep pathos. The man (Will Poulter) for all his wealth, power, and privilege broke my heart every time he was on the screen.
And the 'Two Men in the Van' sketches absolutely cracked me up.
The basic premise is not just kids playing adults, but playing their view of adults, with all the irrationality, banality, and crudeness in tact. Does it go a bit over the top, yes.
But let me remind you that there is also a British comedy in which an adult plays and skews an adult's view of what kids are like. It is equally absurd, and in this case, just painful to watch. Who in their right mind thinks it's a good idea for someone in their 40's to play a kid?
But absurdity is the point, because from the view of a neutral outsider, adults are irrational nut cases who are not fit to be in charge of the world.
So, the underlying point is not that they are playing adults, but that they are playing a kid's view of how completely out of it adults are.
Further, the UK has something of a tradition of quirky, oddball, off center comedy. Think Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Benny Hill. I think School of Comedy fits very nicely into this off kilter tradition of British Comedy.
Yes, the sketches can be crude, but adults can be crude as well, and frequently it is the seemly respected reputable adults that can be the crudest of all. However, in most sketches, as I've implied, I feel the underlying pathos. And as I've also said, the Will Poulter character Leonard Lizard never failed to break my heart.
Various sketches can be found on Internet video sites, the largest of which shall remain nameless, but they are not complete episodes. None the less, they do demonstrate the tremendous pool of young talent that is being drawn on in these sketches.
I think the entire cast is brilliantly talented, even if lazy, too obvious writing sometime doesn't bring out their best. Given their ages, I see bright futures for all of them in both comedy and drama.
Far more than being a brilliantly funny sketch show, School of Comedy is a showcase for brilliant young talent.
Some weak moments, but some genius
jktravels6 July 2012
I really wasn't interested in this when it first appeared. But after having first watched the 'behind the scenes' episodes I fell in love with the characters.
Much of the humour is actually amazingly subtle for such young comedians. Some scenes did just miss the mark. But either was it is definitely the kind of show that has to grow on you.
In the end it also produced some moments of comedic poignancy that have only been matched by some of the greats (Only Fools and Horses, The Fast Show). It's a shame C4 didn't give it more support for a further series.
Much of the humour is actually amazingly subtle for such young comedians. Some scenes did just miss the mark. But either was it is definitely the kind of show that has to grow on you.
In the end it also produced some moments of comedic poignancy that have only been matched by some of the greats (Only Fools and Horses, The Fast Show). It's a shame C4 didn't give it more support for a further series.
These kids are seriously funny!
darylljconway20 November 2018
Good actors, poor writing.
Aruu8 October 2009
Unfortunately E4 have a habit of pimping out shows that turn out to be awful. We've had the 'School of Comedy' all but forced down our throats for the past few weeks in the form of adverts, text within other programs, and the promise that we're going to wet ourselves laughing at children acting like adults.
Unfortunately it failed to deliver. It's a good concept if the thought of children acting like grown ups is enough to make you go into fits of laughter, but if you're expecting anything deeper you'll be disappointed. The child actors are not to be faulted in the slightest, there's some very promising performances from them, especially given they work through different accents and characters quite seamlessly. The writers appear to think that we'll simply be bowled over by children swearing, and don't bother to try and include any deeper reaching comedy; a shame since it seems these children are quite capable of it.
In short, very impressive acting from such a young cast, ultimately let down by poor and very lazy writing. Here's to hoping they buck up their ideas, or that these endearing children get a chance to go on and star in something decent.
Unfortunately it failed to deliver. It's a good concept if the thought of children acting like grown ups is enough to make you go into fits of laughter, but if you're expecting anything deeper you'll be disappointed. The child actors are not to be faulted in the slightest, there's some very promising performances from them, especially given they work through different accents and characters quite seamlessly. The writers appear to think that we'll simply be bowled over by children swearing, and don't bother to try and include any deeper reaching comedy; a shame since it seems these children are quite capable of it.
In short, very impressive acting from such a young cast, ultimately let down by poor and very lazy writing. Here's to hoping they buck up their ideas, or that these endearing children get a chance to go on and star in something decent.
Never work with kids...
edwardhendryuk1 October 2009
"School of Comedy" is E4's new comedy sketch show. Like the show "Beehive" that came before it, "School of Comedy" is different from the bulk of today's comedy for featuring a less diverse cast - in this case, kids.
It's a good idea in theory, but in practice, it doesn't work - the reason being that not even the most competent young actor/comedians can carry a comedy show if it's written as poorly as this show is.
The comedy in "The School of Comedy" is as bad as it is simple: Kids act like adults (wear moustaches, work in a courtroom etc.), while putting on exaggerated comedy accents (Yokel, Cockney and hilarious White South African) and swear - because often, kids swearing is the punchline in this comedy - you can tell by the canned laughter that seems to punctuate each naughty word.
However, the performances the young actors give cannot be criticised too much, because they're only young. They haven't been in comedy too long. They act out many different accents and personalities required of a sketch based show - but at the end of the day, they are kids playing doctors/teachers etc. with squeaky young voices. The writers and producers on the other hand (unless they are also 14 years old) deserve no such sympathy, writing the lamest jokes and the weakest characters, and giving us a show that is just another one of those wretched sketch based comedies that will last one series, and be reborn 1 year later as another weak comedy.
Needless to say, I didn't smile once through this first episode, and I can safely say I won't expect to be bellowing with laughter during any of the following episodes.
It's a good idea in theory, but in practice, it doesn't work - the reason being that not even the most competent young actor/comedians can carry a comedy show if it's written as poorly as this show is.
The comedy in "The School of Comedy" is as bad as it is simple: Kids act like adults (wear moustaches, work in a courtroom etc.), while putting on exaggerated comedy accents (Yokel, Cockney and hilarious White South African) and swear - because often, kids swearing is the punchline in this comedy - you can tell by the canned laughter that seems to punctuate each naughty word.
However, the performances the young actors give cannot be criticised too much, because they're only young. They haven't been in comedy too long. They act out many different accents and personalities required of a sketch based show - but at the end of the day, they are kids playing doctors/teachers etc. with squeaky young voices. The writers and producers on the other hand (unless they are also 14 years old) deserve no such sympathy, writing the lamest jokes and the weakest characters, and giving us a show that is just another one of those wretched sketch based comedies that will last one series, and be reborn 1 year later as another weak comedy.
Needless to say, I didn't smile once through this first episode, and I can safely say I won't expect to be bellowing with laughter during any of the following episodes.
What people expect....it annoys me!! (no real spoilers)
markrequest10 July 2012
5.3 is not a truly reflective score for this show. Available on 4od.com, I return to it quite often to cheer me up. Complaints about the writing or the concept of kids doing adult humour fall flat on the ground with me. The true concept is that here we have young teenagers developing enough of an understanding about adult life and using their comedic talents to poke fun at it. As for the writing, it is subjective to British life. That said, the viewer needs to overcome the fact that it is being delivered by children, albeit teenagers. When you can appreciate both points, teens making fun of adults with adult based humour, then you are in for a treat. The French taxi passenger who finds football boring and prefers opera and small boys, the estate agent reluctant to show the last room and the (sublime) sketches of the two immigrant South African security guards. Even the thought that teenagers can make fun of these tickles but to see it enacted, and so well, is hugely enjoyable.
Car Crash TV
Lyco49927 June 2011
Have you ever sat there and watched hours of something so terrible, so bizarrely bad you feel retarded? Well I have, for I watched every episode, both series of this over the last 2 days. I don't know why, I laughed once and I have to admit I laughed at a rather damn good sketch, in the very last episode (a "woman" narrating everything at a dinner party where the predictable punch line is everyone can actually hear her slagging them off) it wasn't clever or special or unique but it tickled me.
Other than that I enjoy the South Africans, possibly because I find the accent pretty. It tries to marry the juvenile and the mature with no luck and at times you feel feel genuinely bad for the cast. By far the most painful of the recurring sketches have to be the cab driver, the art gallery chubby chaser and the white van men. Basicaly they use material that would be good for one sketch, if that, and then do it over and over and over again. Don't get me started on the impromptu lip syncing.
Although it has endeared me to Will Poulter, whose hideous way of speaking in Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader made me hate him for a long time. Yes I know Eustace Scrubb is meant to be an unlikable, repugnant character but still, there is no excuse for that mannerism.
And while they seem to have turned the canned laughter slider down in between Series', they still use it too much. And some of the better recurring sketches from the first series were thrown out and not replaced in the second. The misanthropic bar maid from the first series was brilliant in a cringe worthy way.
That sums the whole show up really, car crash television. Some morbid fascination with misery and pain keeps you watching when you know it's wrong. And a lot of it is so bad it swings back around to good, in a cringe worthy pitiful kind of way. However I do think some of the actor's are pretty talented, some of the girl's play perfectly believable adults (one of which would do better if she didn't have braces).
Well there you go, my long winded confused sh-peel.
Other than that I enjoy the South Africans, possibly because I find the accent pretty. It tries to marry the juvenile and the mature with no luck and at times you feel feel genuinely bad for the cast. By far the most painful of the recurring sketches have to be the cab driver, the art gallery chubby chaser and the white van men. Basicaly they use material that would be good for one sketch, if that, and then do it over and over and over again. Don't get me started on the impromptu lip syncing.
Although it has endeared me to Will Poulter, whose hideous way of speaking in Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader made me hate him for a long time. Yes I know Eustace Scrubb is meant to be an unlikable, repugnant character but still, there is no excuse for that mannerism.
And while they seem to have turned the canned laughter slider down in between Series', they still use it too much. And some of the better recurring sketches from the first series were thrown out and not replaced in the second. The misanthropic bar maid from the first series was brilliant in a cringe worthy way.
That sums the whole show up really, car crash television. Some morbid fascination with misery and pain keeps you watching when you know it's wrong. And a lot of it is so bad it swings back around to good, in a cringe worthy pitiful kind of way. However I do think some of the actor's are pretty talented, some of the girl's play perfectly believable adults (one of which would do better if she didn't have braces).
Well there you go, my long winded confused sh-peel.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
