Foil, Arms & Hog: Craicling at Hammersmith Apollo

Watching Foil, Arms and Hog at London’s Hammersmith Apollo, two things become abundantly clear. The first is that the Irish comedy trio has built up an impressive and dedicated following through their YouTube channel and live shows. The second is that no one in the front section of the audience is safe from being involved in one of their gags.

The act almost immediately had the room in stitches as they got to know their spectators, calling out punters who were late getting to their seats, piling one cold audience member with other people’s coats and leading unsuspecting guests on an impromptu heritage tour of the venue (including a battle reconstruction onstage). These more spontaneous elements of the show, although maybe somewhat daunting for those involved, familiarised newcomers to their brand of humour and settled everyone in for what was to be a side-splitting evening.

This all led to what the group is best known for: their sketches. Whilst the few musical numbers drew in fewer laughs, these skits were wonderfully witty and entertaining. All three comedians shone though with an eclectic range of characters and bizarre situations. These comic scenarios (including the more spontaneous moments which brought previously picked on audience members back to the stage) gained the most enthusiastic laughs.

Overall, the trio put on an incredibly funny show that entertained a large and diverse crowd. People of all ages went away with a smile on their face discussing favourite sketches. If you get the opportunity to see them live, Foil, Arms and Hog are definitely three talented comedians to watch.

Laura Ewing

Foil, Arms & Hog: Craicling was at Hammersmith Apollo on 4^th April 2019 as part of a UK tour. For further information about dates and venues visit the company’s website here.