Have A Sip Of VarietySoup Courtesy Of Slightly Fat Features

Londonist Rating: ★★★★☆

Known best for its popular run at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, Slightly Fat Features in VarietySoup is a two hour showcase of silly shenanigans that plays somewhere between a cabaret and a panto. And since it's the Christmas season, it can't really be argued that this is good 'soup for the soul'.

The seven-man comedy troupe's experience — from the Moscow State Circus, Glastonbury Festival's Outdoor Circus Stage to touring events with Miss Behave and, even, the Rolling Stones — is evident right from the start.

Host Goronwy Thom (who deems himself the slightly fat personality behind Slightly Fat Features) confidently spins interactive jokes with the audience while juggling 'nearly' eight balls at a time. Next up is a death-defying contest that sees one performer wrapped in cling film (by none other than King Cling Film), while another act shows a performer being sawed in half... with a slightly garish 'spin' on that 'ole trick.

You get the drift: there is a mass of talent on stage, and the fun part is, they're having a good time too. Watch out to those sitting centre stage though — as with most of these shows, you might just be called up to assist in some intricate scheming.

For those wanting a bit more of the panto-flavour, the troupe's talents extend to some impressive song and dance, complete with a surprise waterfall at the end. And if you're interested in painting, they can do that quite uniquely too.

If one had to complain, it would have to centre around the venue, which feels a little too voluminous for this intimate, light-hearted show. Still, it's definitely worth seeing if you're after a bit of festive fun.

Slightly Fat Features runs until 4 January at Leicester Square Theatre, 8.40pm. Tickets are £20 or a family ticket is £70. There are no shows 25, 26 December and 1 January. Londonist saw this on a complimentary ticket.