At least three times in the lead up to seeing the Amazing, Silly, Big Stupid Comedy Game Show for Kids and their Grownups 2, I was asked “What are we seeing again?” Which is kind of the first joke for the show because presenter, Nik Coppin, welcomed audience members to the “What is this show called again? show!”
Sceptical of what we were about to see or participate in, I can thankfully report that this show, while certainly silly, was also amazingly fun. Upon arrival, kids and their grownups chose one side of the tent and were thus sorted into their teams. Emcee Nik explained the rules of the game, which were that the team with the most points wins. Right. Got it. Luckily, there was no need for more as intrepid team leaders, Katharyn Henson and LJ DA FUNK, clearly had everything under control.
First things first, each team chose a name. Katheryn Henson rocking a “camp leader” vibe on the left side of the tent got team “(insert strange throat gargle noise) Purple Snakes”, while LJ on the right got the “Yes, I’m the real Slim Shady” team, thanks to this suggestion from my son, Saxon. Thanks, Sax, you got us a team name even longer than the unpronounceable show name. He was likely inspired by the gangsta-slash-bbq-outfit that LJ DA FUNK had going on. Awesome chains and even better ‘tude, LJ!
The games were high-energy, silly and aimed at all abilities. Without giving away too many spoilers that would lessen the experience, the games involved dancing, throwing soft things at other things, jokes and alphabetical memory teasers. Many answers from grown-ups in the alphabet parts highlighted the generational gaps between TV of the 1980s and the endless choices on streaming services today. And yet, though arguably we live in a far more sophisticated world than when A.L.F. (Alien Life Form intent on eating the cat for those old enough to remember it) was on air, the youngsters at Sunday’s show had a ball participating. A special mention must go to dad, Mark Neuling, who earned his team a bonus point with his boogie moves, and stole (legitimately) several of the other’s teams points and then got up on stage to tell a dad joke. That bombed. Perhaps intentionally, for isn’t that the whole point of the “dad joke”, thus proving his superior dad-joke-status? But, before this turns too philosophical, back to whether this is the show for you and your grownup.
The high energy games made it easy for littlies to participate, and these went down fabulously with the 5-10ish age group. There were four kids in my entourage today who each rated as follows: Emily, 12, (a non-committal shoulder shrug – no-one should take that personally), Saxon, 9, 8/10, Daisy, 7, 9/10, and (not to be confused with the first Saxon), Saxon, 9, 9/10. As for the adults, they all seemed pretty happy to compete, lots of smiles all round, and this adult walked out still unable to recall the entire name of the show, but glad to have seen it. A legitimately fun interactive experience for younger kids and their (not so) grown-ups.