Sketch group Chimp Cop (Timothy Clark, Adam Knox, Ben Vernel and Rosie Vernel) have earnt themselves a reputation as cult favourites at MICF. At the last couple of festivals, word quickly spread around about how hilarious they were, and their late-night shows became must-see viewing for comedy fans. Chimp Cop Forever, the third installment of the Chimp Cop saga, keeps the old-school gags coming in a thrilling tale about a man who is part chimp, all cop.
Chimp Cop Forever starts out strong with one of the most inventive opening sequences Iâve seen in a comedy show. The crew donât have a screen this year so there are no pre-recorded sketches, and with the regular audio-visual element out, theyâve come up with clever workarounds. Itâs a great introduction, and it sets up the story neatly. Chimp Cop must head to his hometown, working undercover to expose a drug ring, and it gets personal.
In the past, Chimp Copâs humour has been compared to Police Squad! and Naked Gun, and not without reason. The group is clearly influenced by these sight-gag-heavy pun-fests and itâs absolutely delightful to see that tradition continue on. Chimp Cop Forever hits on all the great tropes of the crime genre, playing with them in an affectionate, utterly silly way.
The cast of Chimp Cop work together brilliantly. Thereâs clear chemistry between them all and their performances are slicker than theyâve been in the past. Clark is brilliantly funny as the titular Chimp Cop, and Knox, Vernel and Vernel are absolutely terrific as a rotating cast of characters – from Chimp Copâs dad, Criminal Cop, to a series of bumbling henchmen and stooges.
Chimp Cop Forever is the best kind of late-night festival fun. It had the audience doubled over with laughter, and continues Chimp Copâs record of producing fabulous comedy.
Chimp Cop Foreverâs run at MICF has finished, but the sketch group will be premiering a new show later this year.
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