The Antics are an improvisational comedy troupe formed in 2008, primarily of alumni of Sheffield Hallam University.
They are popular at venues across Sheffield including the Lantern Theatre,[1] The Dorothy Pax, and The Montgomery Theatre.
They made their Edinburgh Festival Fringe[2] debut in 2010, and returned in 2011 for a second run entitled "Premature Ejokeulation", receiving a 3/5 rating from popular festival reviewer ThreeWeeks.[3]
'Premature Ejokeulation' was also notable for being named #1 in Esquire's list of "How not to name your fringe act" shows,[4] also placing #1 in the Edinburgh Festival Guide's Top 10 Punning Show Titles.[5]
In 2013 they performed their third show at the Fringe, entitled "A Pile Of Wit".
They are known for their audience interaction, assortment of comedic styles and unpredictability.
They have also produced a podcast series called "The Antics' Rambles". This includes comedy podcasts, as well as a series called "The Concrete Chronicles", which is a fully improvised story series.
As of January 2022, there have been 17 performers with The Antics.
| Name | Debut | Current Performer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elliott Green | 2016 | Yes | |
| Robert Burgess | 2013 | No | |
| Ashley Miller | 2013 | No | |
| Kyle Williams | 2012 | No | |
| Brad Macca | April 7, 2011 | Yes | |
| Max Brown | April 7, 2011 | No | |
| Colin Cowx | October 28, 2010 | No | |
| Charlie Nevill | February 26, 2010 | No | |
| Darell Robson | November 29, 2009 | Yes | |
| Tom Fieldhouse | November 1, 2009 | No | |
| Jonathan Syer | March 14, 2009 | Yes | |
| Gav Richards | January 29, 2009 | No | |
| Dan Pearson | January 29, 2009 | No | |
| Ash McDowell | January 29, 2009 | No | |
| Chris Waters | January 29, 2009 | No | |
| Daniel Fenton | January 29, 2009 | No |
Sheffield publication Exposed Magazine reviewed The Antics positively, saying "Antics always have something to say, no matter how surreal, absurd or inappropriate it might end up sounding, and that’s the fun. The fact that truly anything could happen next is enough to keep you engaged and ensures you’re never bored".[6]
Audiences who attended their Edinburgh shows in 2010 rated them 4.7 out of 5, via the website Love Fringe[7] stating that they were "hilarious, quick on their feet and the show was fast-paced".
The 2011 Edinburgh show also received high ratings, including 3* on ThreeWeeks "Much better than the title suggested", 5* on LoveFringe[8] and 3.0 on Broadway Baby.[9]
The 2013 Edinburgh was met with mixed reviews, including a 3* rating from Broadway Baby.[10]