REVIEW: THE MILKY PIGEONS: NOT SUITABLE FOR TV at The Hope Theatre 11 August 2025

‘a sketch show with potential but needing further development’ ★★ ½

In this zany sketch show Conor Mather and Arran Kemp play has-been TV comedians, Robert Glass and Philip Frost supposedly in their 40s and set in the 80s. Plenty of nods to comedians of the past (and some scandalous behaviour) but lacking any real depth of characterisation. With a constant breakneck pace and many silly sketches, it falls a bit flat. 

This is the premiere of Milky Pigeons’ second show having already had success with RUNNING OUT OF TIME, a show which presumably had the urgency of, well, running out of time. The pair have tried to recreate that sense of pressure with the premise of the play. The comedians are in a studio with a one- hour slot and a chance to reignite their failing careers.    However, NOT MADE FOR TV is crying out to have changes of pace to allow some of the sketches to breath and make their mark. 

The high energy and moments of physical theatre are very enlivening and fun but some opportunities to make a real impact are lost along the way. The multi-media aspect (video) allows some variety, with the filmed sketches working well. 

The company present their work in variety of ways which adds amusement, including lip-synching, punch lines, shaggy dog stories, innuendo and slap stick. The potential is strong with some sketches living up to expectations and a wonderful catch phrase, “why would you say that?” 

For audiences, looking back on the show, it might appear as a bit of a blur, with that missing satirical impact that could elevate the show. It’s light and inventive but ultimately just misses the mark, the delivery needs strengthening and the material need clarity; who has the power, are they in competition with each other, are they goading each other?   What exactly is the through line?  What is the show truly saying or questioning?

As a double act, the pair work well together, with their contrasting characters, but they don’t ever quite embody the characters that they are supposed to be playing.   

The Milky Pigeons: NOT SUITABLE FOR TV at The Hope

Part of Camden Fringe

Writers and Performers             Arran Kemp (he/him) + Conor Mather (he/him)

Creative Director         Katie Tuson (she/her)

Co-Producers    Arran Kemp (he/him) + Conor Mather (he/him)

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