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Thank God You're Here

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Improvisational comedy is an art form that has largely disappeared from our screens, replaced by painstakingly scripted sitcoms and sometimes equally over-prepared stand-up. Thank God You're Here brought the genre back in 2006 and this is one show most viewers won't mind seeing rescreened.

Australia produces some truly hilarious comedians, and this show takes them out of their comfort zone of laboriously prepared anecdotes and throws them into the comedic deep end. Wardrobe choices offer the only clue of what might be in store for them before they're guided (and sometimes pushed) through a door and into a wacky situation. The best rise to the occasion and relax completely into their character; in this episode we revisit Hamish Blake's memorable performance as a badly behaved elderly man, and Frank Woodley's over-the-top portrayal of a fruity naval captain. The worst blink like deer in the headlights and have to be fed their one-liners by the excellent ensemble cast. However, there's comedy even in this, as they bumble through the scene.

Shane Bourne and Tom Gleisner make an appealing, if sometimes awkward, hosting team; Bourne is an affable host, though his booming guffaws are sometimes embarrassingly misplaced. Cast as a judge (though with no power to criticise), Gleisner's role gives structure to the show.

Comedy is never really as funny the second time around, but Thank God You're Here recycles better than most.

Thank God You're Here airs on Network Ten on Sunday, August 10, at 7:30pm.

Click here to view Citysearch's TV guide.

Shelley Tustin, July 2008