Footlights: Devils

For the past 125 years, the Cambridge University Footlights have been turning out some of the nation's most prized comedians. As the current troupe bring their latest show Devils to the Fringe, expectations are high.

With fast-paced and eclectically-themed sketches, monologues, and even an all-singing, all-dancing mini-musical finale, the five spritely young performers demonstrate an impressive aptitude for diversity. This is especially the case with Peter Riley who manages to pull off a multitude of characters with impeccable tone, whilst Alastair Roberts, though less variable in his style, is consistently hilariously mannered and beautifully timed.

Although there was no part of the show which failed to raise at least a chuckle, there were a couple of scenes which should have ended sooner, and the odd punch line that could have packed a lot more punch. It was also disappointing to see the otherwise imaginative and precise, Daran Johnson resort in one sketch to a distinctly David Brent-like rendering of a chat show host.

But overall, Devils is acutely witty and incessantly rib-tickling. 125 years later, and the Footlights continue to deliver comedy which is both timeless and original, intelligent in its conception, and highly amusing in its execution.