The comedy scene is bracing for a transatlantic injection of the delightfully bizarre with the arrival of Simple Town, a New York-based sketch group quickly gaining a cult following. Whereas many aspire to bring American comedy sensibilities to the UK, Simple Town approaches the prospect with a refreshingly pragmatic outlook. They’re not aiming to be the next big export, but rather to continue creating the work they love, even if it means juggling day jobs alongside their performances.
Known for their fluid, improvisational style and a unique blend of silliness and subtle social commentary, Simple Town—comprised of Sam Lanier, Felipe Di Poi, Will Niedmann, Caroline Yost, and director Ian Faria—are bringing their signature brand of humor to the Soho Theatre in London this month. The group, who playfully refer to themselves as “four teens in their 30s,” a moniker originating from a slasher-movie spoof, are hoping to connect with audiences who appreciate a comedy experience that’s both unpredictable and deeply collaborative.
From Rotating Collective to a Tight-Knit Four
Simple Town’s origins weren’t always so focused. Initially, the group functioned as a rotating collective of theatre and comedy performers, experimenting with plays, improv, and short films. “It came down to whoever cared about it or thought there was life left in this thing,” Lanier explained. The current lineup solidified as those most dedicated to the project, forging a creative partnership that they all agree has yielded their best work. They’ve cultivated a style that prioritizes in-the-moment improvisation over rigidly scripted sketches, a shift inspired by the now-closed Annoyance theater in New York.
“We came from writing sketch in the UCB [Upright Citizens Brigade] style, where it’s quite regimented,” Di Poi shared. “Then we started seeing acts where you didn’t know where the joke was going to come from…there was this complicity with the audience, something funny was happening. That felt less rigid to us and a lot more surprising – and that’s what we wish our shows to feel like.” This approach allows for a “lived-in, open-ended feel,” where the most memorable moments often arise from spontaneous choices and a willingness to deviate from the written material.
A Unique Style: Absurdity with a Hint of Meaning
Fans of the UK comedy troupe Sheeps will likely find much to enjoy in Simple Town’s performances. Their Edinburgh Fringe Festival set last summer was described as a “blissfully fluid and twisty hour” that showcased a quartet of “whip-smart slacker pals.” The sketches themselves range from the absurd—a scene involving NASA engineers reacting to a female colleague—to the subtly thought-provoking, such as a firing squad sketch that touches on the divisions within modern America.
While humor is always the primary goal, Niedmann notes that their work sometimes explores themes relevant to young, left-leaning Americans. “I think we’ve written some sketches that actually convey something about what it means to be a young leftwing person in America,” he said. “I always hold out for [political content], but we don’t begin that way. We begin with funny.”
The Realities of Sketch Comedy
Despite their growing acclaim, Simple Town acknowledges the financial challenges inherent in pursuing a career in sketch comedy. “We don’t make a living doing Simple Town at all,” Lanier stated frankly. This reality is a common one for many comedy groups, even in the United States, as highlighted by the success of shows like I Think You Should Abandon on Netflix. The group openly admits that their work is driven by passion and a deep connection to the collaborative process, rather than the expectation of financial reward.
“The realisation we have is: it won’t ever make us money,” Niedmann added. “We just do it because it’s been such a joy and a meaningful part of our adulthood and our friendship.” Though, they remain open to opportunities that could change that equation. “But we’re open to making money from it,” Lanier quipped, with Di Poi adding, “If you want to give us money, we won’t say no.”
Simple Town will be performing at the Soho Theatre in London from March 23-28. For those seeking a comedy experience that’s both inventive and genuinely funny, this is a show not to be missed.
As Simple Town continues to refine their unique voice and build their audience, it will be interesting to see how their approach to comedy resonates with UK audiences and whether they can navigate the challenges of sustaining a creative project while balancing the demands of everyday life.
What are your thoughts on the current state of sketch comedy? Share your opinions in the comments below!
