Review: The Four Johns deliver anarchic comedy at Midlands Fringe

The Four Johns are from Hull, a place I hold dear to my heart and have a history with. It's wonderful to see them here at Midlands Fringe, now in its second year, which brings "local talent" from all over the country to Wolverhampton and the Black Country. It gives us the chance to enjoy acts we'd probably never have discovered otherwise, in lovely local venues at pay-as-you-feel events.

The front of The Qattery in Wolverhampton has been transformed into an office of sorts, where faxes, letters and messages are received in various ways. They are then judged, acted upon, acted out and ridiculed, all skilfully by the main players in this performance.

It's difficult to know where to start, as this act circles in on itself several times, using different mediums to deliver sketches, comedy, poetry, political views and sheer ridiculousness over and over again. The three main performers share the workload brilliantly. I assume these are three of the four Johns. We don't actually meet the fourth John officially, although a version of Frank Sidebottom appears on stage numerous times for reasons I won't reveal. I'm going to guess he's number four.

This act is a mini circus, filled with wonderfully choreographed comedy played out through a variety of scenarios. And, of course, no one is safe. From Danny Dyer to Bruce Forsyth, from Jamie Oliver to Tony Blair, everyone is fair game and used to launch a poem, a conversation, a piece of political satire or simple silliness, which may or may not result in a red card.

I won't spoil it by sharing any more details, but I'd strongly recommend seeing this act if you get the opportunity.

It's full-on, high-energy satire, packed with views and opinions – some silly, some serious and many thought-provoking – but always delivered with heart and enthusiasm. It's where Billy Bragg meets Monty Python for a pint.

By David Price