The Dot Farm

The Dot Farm

28 April, 2009
by: Katuschka

The Invisible Dot is tucked away amongst the tie-dyed blankets and spiky neon trousers of Camden market. Although the venue is in one of the quieter corners, there is still a distraction for the three members of The Dot Farm, a weekly comedy show where Dan Atkinson, Jon Richardson and Lloyd Langford squabble over slapdash branches of discussion. To be specific, there's an epic drum chorus climaxing wildly outside the window, but as the seasoned improvisational comedians they are, they are calmly rolling with the punches and neatly weaving it into the material. 'It's normal to hear bursts of shit music in Camden' says Jon, whilst Lloyd sleepwalks towards the window murmuring 'They're quite hypnotizing actually' in a strong Welsh brogue. 

As structured as a battalion of blind kittens, the production values are, well, an acquaintance with a light switch and a laptop (which later starts updating software before a video clip); but this show is all the more charming for it, and the disarray throws up plenty of 'what next?' self-deprecation for the ragtag trio. Their material is appropriated from news articles, TV, radio and random everyday happenings; but the show is fuelled by banter, like watching three of your brother's mates trying to debate politics while stoned. Some particularly special moments included 'Lloyd's Best Ever Sitcom Idea' where Lloyd creates such gems as Blood from a Stone (Everyone needs a transfusion from an AB negative Joss Stone, but she has a fear of needles); a segment where Lloyd talks us through some videos he bought at a pound store in Liverpool (Mom's Outta Sight anyone?) and Dan's 'The Problem With Democracy' where he breaks down a radio show discussion between fat and thin people, in which the great British public summarise the obesity debate with the aphorism 'fat is the new thick' and opinionated fun is had by all.

You also get an insight into the episodic life of a jobbing comedian, as the three frankly discuss upcoming gigs and the wonders they find on their travels, including a DJ in Liverpool's Puma shop window whom Lloyd describes as a political prisoner and Jon Richardson's unnerving run-in with a talking, car-park ticket machine in Cardiff. The Dot Farm may be slightly knocked together, but seeing comedy on a Sunday afternoon makes a nice change from evening shows and adds to the informal atmosphere. A funny pit-stop before continuing your shopping and a great chance to see three established comedians having a bit of a lark.

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Katuschka