THE LIBRARIANS: A Very Serious Comedy | Pleasance Two at Pleasance Courtyard (Ed Fringe)

THE LIBRARIANS: A Very Serious Comedy, which is co-written by Matthew Mark Howell and Jack Michael Stacey, is a clever comedy that is both satirical and earnest. Following the massive successive of their previous show Spy Movie, Howell and Stacey return to the Fringe with yet another hit on their hands. Having already sold out most dates of their Fringe run, THE LIBRARIANS is a hot ticket at the Fringe, filling the void for a serious comedy.

Howell and Stacey, who not only wrote but also perform in the show, first met as actors in Mischief Theatre Company's The Play That Goes Wrong, and this is evident in their own style which is deeply reminiscent of the most beloved of Mischief's work, yet stands outside of their immense shadow with a remarkable individuality. 

The show is set in the fictional Plumstanton Library, following the death of the head of the library, leaving the already dishevelled library in a state of disarray. Harry, the acting head of the library finds himself in competition for the top job by the arrival of newcomer Jill, who has been sent to step in. The library is also run by the nervous Elaine, who is mostly the voice of reason, and 'Work Experience", who is a volunteer. Whilst the library is still in a state of chaos, an unexpected inspection also occurs, forcing them to try and hide the dark corners of the library and their own darker secrets. 

The premise of the show immediately sets itself up for a brilliant workplace comedy, which it achieves through the use of physical comedy and witty dialogue. The show is fast paced and uses farcical elements that have the audience in fits of laughter from the get go. Given the short runtime of the show (60 minutes), the show achieves a considerable amount, managing to create characters and relationships that are audiences are genuinely invested in, whilst also developing a larger plot. 

The show feels like it's bursting to become a longer one with two acts, as the show feels clearly split into two halves; the former about the library politics and the latter the inspection. This can at times make the show feel rushed, or skips over certain points that would lend more credibility to the perplexing and yet hilarious series of plot twists. Nevertheless, it still succeeds in its current format. 

The writing of the show does much of the heavy lifting, using word play to no end and quippy one liners and comebacks that deserve much appreciation. As the show progresses, the use of physical comedy becomes more prominent. The set feels realistic as the worn old walls of a community library, with the singular bookshelf, is used as a running joke. As Fringe veterans, the set manages to achieve a lot, both visually and in terms of aiding itself to the comedy and the storytelling whilst appearing to be simple. 

Howell and Stacey are joined by Billie Hamer and Jo Hartland, who are each well versed in this particular style of comedy and play off of one another beautifully. Howell's exaggerated performance as Harry brings the show much of its humour, as he swings between being a loyal employee and a vengeful competitor. However it is Stacey as "Work Experience" that really seals the deal on the show, with a hilariously bumbling performance that provides many moments of comedy.

THE LIBRARIANS: A Very Serious Comedy is a strong piece of clever comedy that delivers an enormous promise on a modest budget and that's one of its biggest strengths, relying on the material and performances. For fans of television, think The Office, and for fans of theatre, think Mischief Theatre Company. All in all, it's a hilarious addition to anyone visiting the Edinburgh Fringe.

THE LIBRARIANS: A Very Serious Comedy plays at 15:15 at Pleasance Two in the Pleasance Courtyard until 31st August - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Jonny Ruff