(3 / 5)

What do you get when you combine classical music with comedy – Now That’s What I Call Bach! With Tasmin Sarkany. 

There’s first to say: you don’t need to know about Bach or really classical music to enjoy this routine. Sarkany presents us a narrative as Amelia Crotchet, a Bach enthusiast and also one in a deep love with her partner, Violin. Today is a very important concert and, if she can stop getting distracted, she will play for us. 

What is really lovely is this narrative – instead of presenting herself as a comedian, Sarkany has developed a well thought out plot with characters and storyline and therefore giving the ability to throw in different comedic scenarios throughout which all add to the trajectory of the story. In this short hour, we get to know Amelia, why this concert is so important, her love story with Violin and all about Bach. We feel we know this character well by the end and the concept works seamlessly. 

While occasionally slightly left field, the narrative has little plot points which seem random but fully add to the story. You may at first think: what does this have to do with this big concert but it’s all to do with getting to know her and allowing a space for her comedy. I’m not usually a fan of one-liner jokes or puns, I prefer something meatier but somehow Sarkany makes me change my mind on this, by combining both. The puns are genuinely humorous and tickle you, with the occasional slight “dad joke” groan but it all works together so well. She pokes fun at the arts or uses stereotypes of concerts or the Opera to add the essence of a concert; think throwing flowers on stage, asking an audience member to shout bravo and this contributes to the illusion of the narrative but gives the audience something to relate to. 

Sarkany’s musical ability is also fantastic. When there are moments of music, it is clearly from a very clever musician and adds these little highlights. But she also manages to create great comedy with sound – adding to the puns or reoccuring comedy references, sometimes there’s some notes played or with a clever musical technique and this is again, not only musically skilled but highly intelligent comedy. 

The only thing that brought the stars down for me is that Sarkany seemed very nervous. Of course, this is completely understandable and I can only apologise; Sarkany invited me and referenced me in the audience and I hope it wasn’t my attendance that gave her nerves! But the nervousness thread a little through the performance and I desperately wanted her to be confident in her ability and her show because it is smart, funny and engaging. 

Now That’s What I Call Bach! Is a funny take on the arts, music, with witty comedy, supported with a brilliant musical ability. I just wanted Sarkany to believe more in herself and her show and for this to take away the nerves that slightly impacted her performance.