Watch The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting

The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting is a sketch comedy show which aired on ABC1 in 2013. The show features a talented ensemble cast of comedians including Craig Anderson, Damon Herriman, Darren Gilshenan, Dave Eastgate, Georgina Haig, Janis McGavin, Patrick Brammall, Phil Lloyd, and Robin McLeavy.

The show takes inspiration from a variety of sources including Monty Python, The Mighty Boosh, and The Goodies, and uses these influences to create a unique and hilarious comedy experience. The sketches are fast-paced, funky, and imaginative, blending together different genres and styles to create something truly unique.

Each episode consists of a series of sketches, running anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes in length. The sketches are often absurd and surreal, but always with a sharp wit and a biting sense of humor. Some sketches are visual gags, relying on clever editing and clever camera work to create laughs. Others are more dialogue heavy, relying on the skills of the actors to deliver witty one-liners and hilarious exchanges.

One of the show's biggest strengths is the versatility of the cast members. Each of the actors is able to play a wide variety of characters, from silly and absurd to serious and dramatic. This versatility is on full display in every episode, with the cast members taking on different roles and personas in each sketch.

Craig Anderson is a standout performer, bringing a natural charm and energy to every sketch he is in. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he is able to switch seamlessly between different characters and styles. Damon Herriman is another standout, bringing a dry and understated humor to each of his characters.

Darren Gilshenan is also memorable, bringing a manic energy and physical comedy skills to his performances. Dave Eastgate is another standout, known for his larger than life characters and his ability to improvise on the spot. Georgina Haig and Robin McLeavy both bring a feminine energy to the show, with Haig often playing the straight man against the craziness of the other characters, while McLeavy is known for her ability to play wild, unpredictable characters.

Despite the show's many strengths, it did receive some criticism for being too disjointed at times. Because the sketches are so varied in tone and style, some viewers found it difficult to follow the show's overall narrative. However, this is a minor quibble, and for the most part, The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting is a hilarious and inventive sketch comedy show.

In terms of production values, the show is top notch. The costumes, sets, and special effects are all well-crafted, with a sense of whimsy and playfulness that perfectly suits the show's overall tone.

Ultimately, The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting is a must-watch for fans of sketch comedy. With its wildly inventive sketches, talented cast, and sharp sense of humor, it is a show that is sure to leave you laughing out loud. If you're looking for something fresh and entertaining, this is definitely a show worth checking out.