Top 10 biggest selling Physical Theatre Shows at the Fringe 2006, Number 10. PAINTERS The Scotsman

The List

There’s a buzz around this previously unheard of trio, and they deserve it. Fresh out of drama school, their bright-eyed, eager to please approach leaves the audience beaming. What they lack in acrobatic finesse they more than make up for in enthusiasm. A cleverly constructed musical accompaniment adds a feel good flavour to their simple show involving three lovable northern lads painting on a building site. This is a gem of a production the whole family will enjoy. (Eddie Thornton) http://www.list.co.uk/festival/index.php?w=module:article,action:view,id:804

Broadway Baby

Three natural clowns amaze with their acrobatics. Set on a building site, Next On Theatre’s show is an acrobatic, exciting and occasionally funny trip into the world of three northern painters and decorators. This charismatic trio are a cross between the dance combo Stomp and the goofball characters from the film Dumb and Dumber. Three working class chaps sing, dance and rap their way through their working day in what is basically an extension of the old pantomime decorators sketch. These boys are undoubtedly talented, but would excel with a bit of help from a writer and director. The characters they play are simple and likeable, but a bit one-dimensional. The inclusion of a witty Groucho- type to this Marx Brothers knock about might set them apart and keep the grown ups happy too. Though I found it amusing the claim in the publicity that I’d be “rolling around with laughter” was sadly unfounded. That said Edward Gregory, Matt Ralph and Lewis Holmes have created an extremely likable piece of theatre, which kept me smiling throughout. [RF] http://www.broadwaybaby.com/review.asp?bbrid=91

Three Weeks

Energetic acrobatics, stunts and clownery, rhythmic dancing and song are all part of the daily routine for these three young painters. This is a light-hearted comedy about finding love, fun and friendship beyond the boring drudgeries of everyday working life. With just a ladder, a paint brush, a bin and some scaffolding, the three men perform physical feats that are both impressive and inventive despite their barren surroundings; imagine alter egos of the Chuckle Brothers - younger, fitter, funnier, more coordinated - and you're almost there. On the downside, the jokes do run a bit thin in places, and don't produce the kind of all-round laughter they seem to be aiming for. Nevertheless, 'Painters' is undeniably charming, heart-warming and entertaining physical theatre. Smirnoff Underbelly, 6 - 27 Aug (not 14), 6:25pm (7:25pm), prices vary, fpp 85. tw rating 3/5 [gb]

The Scotsman

IT NEVER hurts to oversell your show a little bit does it? The programme for Painters promises "extreme stunts defying the laws of gravity" and suggests a display of virtuoso acrobatics. You would be forgiven for thinking this might give the Moscow State Circus a run for its money. Well, these guys can certainly do the odd backflip, but that's really about it. Rather than being the hip and impressive show you might expect, Painters comes closer to being a cartwheeling version of the Chuckle Brothers. The show centres around three men who, bored with their decorating work, try to find various different ways to amuse themselves during the day. The gags are cheap but they do manage to provoke a fair few laughs from the younger members of the audience. When it comes to the much-hyped acrobatic sections, however, we have to make do with a couple of forward rolls and a small trampoline. It's all amiable enough, and will certainly appeal to children, but it is not the visual spectacular it sets itself up to be. If you're looking for acrobatics you'd be better off with, well, the Moscow State Circus. http://www.edinburgh-festivals.com/reviews.cfm?id=1140862006&keywords=painters