The Arab, The Jew and The Chicken

Published Thursday 13 March 2008 at 12:00 by Katie Jackson

It is an often stated fact that comedy requires great intelligence and skill despite its apparently goofy veneer, but The Arab, The Jew and The Chicken is savvier than most sketch theatre. There are no down points in this cleverly constructed, wonderfully varied and brilliantly acted short sketch show which claims to be a fast and feisty exploration of the Middle East conflict. And there is a life size chicken thrown in for good measure too.

Conflict Relief takes its audience on a quick and irreverent exploration of the ludicrous hypothetical conflicts behind the conflict of a generation. The Gaza Strip may not be an ideal setting for light hearted comedy and farce, but Conflict Relief stares the tedium of insults and violence in the face and comes out victorious.

Ending with a utopic vision of peace and love, this talented band of artists know exactly how to handle an audience. Not so cocky that they would ask a small fringe audience to step out of their comfort zone and participate, they manage to get the crowd on side and involved without terrifying the life out of them.

It’s a pleasant journey through a laugh out loud comedy sketch show. Jana Zenadeen is to be particularly credited for her quick wit and comic timing, although this really is a production with no weak links.

This production doesn’t provide any answers, but it doesn’t ask any questions either. It is content to thoroughly entertain with its unique and quirky sense of humour. This is good theatre. This is great comedy.