Mitchell and Webb’s sketch show doesn’t always work – but it’s vital

New Channel 4 series Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping may not always stick the landing – but in my opinion, that doesn’t matter.

Fifteen years ago, David Mitchell and Robert Webb’s series That Mitchell and Webb Look cemented itself in the golden standard of TV comedy.

The comedy duo’s show joined the ranks of celebrated British TV classics, including French and Saunders, Monty Python and The Benny Hill Show.

Yet, in recent years, this delightful format of bite-sized skits brought to life by (usually) the best comedians in the country has been somewhat lacking.

As someone with a long love affair with sketch comedy, from my time performing it in Edinburgh Fringe to creating my own live one-hour sketch show and running workshops at a university comedy club, I didn’t realise how much I was missing this joyous art form on my screen until now.

When it comes to this new Channel 4 show, there’s plenty to love about what is being touted as sketch comedy’s revival from the dead.

Not only does it star David and Robert, but also a promising ensemble cast made up of Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Lara Ricote, Krystal Evans and Stevie Martin.

Even when watching it alone on my bed, an environment where I find it hardest for comedic wit to cut through and make me actually laugh out loud, I found myself chuckling to myself more than once.

It’s an endearing show jampacked with heart, humour and absolute havoc.

Robert’s comedic delivery as an airport security guard whose one purpose is to make the travellers’ lives hell is note-perfect.

When a poor man (played by Kiell) finds himself without a chair to his name on a musical chairs reality show called Hot Seat, the utter awkward misery the Ghosts actor exudes is *chef’s kiss*.

In another sketch where our main cohort are playing themselves in a writers’ room, Stevie and Lara are hysterical while delivering a completely nonsensical word cloud to Robert and David about what people most associate with them (being a c**t and the concept of death, naturally).

And there is perhaps no one who can play ‘flustered middle-aged man’ better than David, whose jittery delivery and naturally reddening face completely immerse you in his performance.

I’m also sure that while the sweary Aussies weren’t really my cup of tea, there will definitely be a demographic of comedy lovers who will find it barking mad, and that’s enough for me.

After all, the best thing about sketch is you don’t have to love it all for it to still be good.

As an ensemble cast still finding its comedic feet and attempting to deliver timely commentary that doesn’t come across as disingenuous, the show does occasionally fall short.

In the first two episodes, more than one sketch leans into the ‘explaining the joke’ style that can get tiring if overdone.

For example, in the Prince Andrew sketch, when the humour is pointing out in no unclear terms just how ridiculous making two shows about the same interview is, the point hits us over the head.

This style of sketch definitely has its merit, but, at least for me, the on-the-nose scripting got repetitive at times, and there could have, perhaps, been more varied ways to approach the same premise.

Nevertheless, I do not doubt that – if Channel 4 recommissions this show – this cast will go from strength to strength, and it is something I am desperate to see.

I want to see a return of the golden era of sketch on TV, and if that comes through Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping, then you’ll hear very little complaint from me.

Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping is available to watch on Channel 4.

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