School of Comedy

School of Comedy is a unique comic sketch show that aired on E4 from 2009 to 2010. What sets this show apart is its cast of talented young actors performing skits written by adults, offering a hilarious and sometimes mischievous take on adult life from the perspective of a younger generation. The program was an adapted version of what was initially a live show performed at the Edinburgh Festival.

The show features an ensemble cast of young actors, each bringing their unique humor, punch lines, and comedic timing to the table. Many of the child actors in School of Comedy have since established robust careers in the world of acting. For instance, famed actor Jack Harries along with his twin brother Finn Harries, as well as renowned actress Will Poulter, who later starred in movies like The Maze Runner and We’re The Millers, were part of the original cast.

Over two seasons, the show takes an innovative approach, intruding into the adult world with youthful exuberance and a refreshing lack of inhibition. The children play numerous mature roles such as landladies, teachers, businessmen, and even a grand pair of upper-class commentators, providing a satirical, enlightening, and undoubtedly entertaining glimpse into various spheres and characters of society.

School of Comedy is a parade of characters and parody role-plays, the humor stemming from the incongruity between the child actors and their adult roles. The show's charm lies in the juxtaposition of adult roles being handled by children with an intuitive understanding of observational humor and a knack for comedic acting.

Unlike most comedy shows that revolve around professional comedians, School of Comedy's affiliation with unanticipated, comical reproductions of real-life people and situations brings an entirely different comedic force. From surgeons and shopkeepers to barflies and bureaucrats, children inhabit and illuminate every aspect of adult life, often highlighting the absurdities and contradictions inherent in these roles.

Each episode of School of Comedy presents a series of side-splitting sketches featuring the cast in a vast array of disguises and costumes. The sketches are expertly crafted by professional comedy writers, allowing the young actors to showcase their considerable talent for humor and mimicry. As the show progresses, viewers get to see the burgeoning talent of these actors as they navigate through their roles with a level of maturity and skill usually seen in seasoned performers.

The show relies heavily on the clever use of everyday scenarios, irony, and adult-child role reversals to deliver its comedy. It is the sophistication of the humor that makes it universal, making it a show that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. As a result, School of Comedy was well-received by viewers and critics alike, increasing its popularity nationwide.

School of Comedy is not just for laughs; it also offers insight into the versatility and abilities of young performers. It provides a platform for these young actors to explore different facets of their acting skills and set the stage for their future in the entertainment industry.

In essence, School of Comedy is a breath of fresh air in the comedy genre. It is an unconventional excursion into the humor of life's absurdities, offering an engaging, light-hearted, and irresistibly amusing journey depicted through the eyes of a group of talented young actors. It’s an innovative, distinctive, and memorable show that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. This E4 show from 2009-2010 is truly an entertaining showcase of fresh talent, creativity, and originality.