Funny, but the women lack punch

It's been four years since Angie Le Mar last performed her successful 1994 sketch show Funny Black Women On The Edge. So has it been worth the wait? Well, not entirely.

There's little wrong with the performances here: Le Mar's huge presence and impeccable timing never fail to raise a giggle, and she's well supported by a mix of original and new cast members.

The problem is the show's lack of polish: last night there were technical hitches and missed cues, all of which are jarring on a show that relies on plenty of musical interludes.

Le Mar's sketches - she writes and assistant directs - also have a habit of fizzling out, lacking in killer punchlines.

Still, there's much to like here, and there's as much general silliness as subversions of black stereotypes.

The gals can happily skip from a sketch depicting women arguing over who should win at the "Blackest Women Awards", to the show-stealing Stars In Their Eyes send-up, Who Dem Favor?

A show of much invention and potential, but on last night's evidence, it needs a bit of tightening if it's going to knock 'em dead this time around.

Until Apr 1, 291 Mare Street E8 (020 8510 4500, hackneyempire.co.uk), 8pm, £12.50 - £17.50. Rail: Hackney Central

The Best Of Funny Black Women On The Edge
Hackney Empire
Mare Street, E8 1EJ