Those that read my review of Vigelantelope’s epic production Tale of the Golden Lease from last year’s festival will understand my anticipation at viewing what they had to offer in 2010. Unfortunately, the sheen seems to have fallen from this seemingly up-and-coming comedy group, as Prophecy of the Quantum Child fell rather flat and disjointed.

That may be a tad harsh, as Propechy of the Quantum Child is certainly a very fun show – not necessarily attributable to the comedy, the songs or even the performance of the four protagonists. The saving grace of this performance is its genuine nature, the honesty with which these four men prance about on stage for your amusement, all the while fully aware that they look ridiculous.

The story takes you on a time-travelling expedition to save humanity from the terrors of a killer cyborg army and a ravenous doesn’t matter hole (much, much worse than a black hole, naturally), all the while filling the stage with bad puns, silly wordplay and a multitude of quick character and costume changes.

Whilst the boys’ style of cheesy prop jokes, purposely bad costumes and sets made of cardboard is certainly fun and refreshing, the whole production had a feeling of being stitched together with loose concepts and awkward scripting. The style that made their 2009 show such a success (full of spontaneity and silly, fun humour) has returned but without the spark that made their individual characters so likeable and generally endearing.

The musical talent of Vigelantelope is one key aspect that will amaze – from a touching duet of tribal man love to the incredible stylings of the dancing Dandy Lion, their lyrical stylings are certainly impressive. If you missed their brilliant performance last year, do try to catch them this time around – this is one comedy group that is not afraid to laugh at themselves (or their cheap props) and their mirth and silliness definitely rubs off on to their audience.