Simple Town: The New York Sketch Troupe Finding Joy Beyond TV Fame
When a "New York cult favourite sketch group" arrives in the UK, expectations might soar for the next big comedy sensation. However, a transatlantic video call with three members of the four-piece Simple Town quickly dispels any such illusions. Sam Lanier, one of the troupe's founders, reveals, "We meet sometimes with UK production companies who see us and think: 'These guys could be a great bridge to the American market.' But what they don't know is that no one fucks with us in America. All the people who work in development in American comedy already know about us, and they've all said 'no.'"
Sketch Comedy's Realities in the US and UK
Lanier adds, "We don't make a living doing Simple Town at all." This statement serves as a stark reminder that sketch comedy, despite hits like Saturday Night Live or Netflix's I Think You Should Leave, isn't a guaranteed path to wealth in the US. Simple Town, who charmed audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe last summer, share similar struggles with their UK counterparts: balancing day jobs, creating films alongside live performances, and barely keeping their collaborative show afloat.
Yet, their passion remains unwavering. Felipe Di Poi asserts, "We really believe in it. We believe the work we've done together is the best work any of us has done, that it's way bigger than anything we could have made by ourselves." This dedication underscores a resilient spirit in the face of professional setbacks, proving that a good sketch troupe cannot be easily subdued.
Evolution of a Collective
Originally a rotating roster of theatre and comedy enthusiasts, Simple Town has evolved into a tight-knit group. Lanier explains, "It came down to whoever cared about it or thought there was life left in this thing. And that was just us." The core members now include Lanier, Di Poi, Will Niedmann, Caroline Yost, and their director Ian Faria. They humorously label themselves "four teens in their 30s," a tagline from a slasher-movie spoof that captures their energetic on-stage camaraderie.
Niedmann notes, "A tension we think is funny is to have the energy of youth and ambition even though we feel old and busted." This dynamic fuels their performances, blending silliness with subtle depth.
Artistic Approach and Audience Connection
Their Edinburgh Fringe show, now heading to Soho Theatre in London, showcases a fluid and twisty hour of comedy. Fans of UK groups like Sheeps will find it irresistible. The set features whip-smart slacker pals, seamlessly transitioning between sketches with an improvised, free-associating style. Jokes and structural boundaries dissolve just as audiences grasp them, creating a unique comedic experience.
Niedmann reflects, "I think we've written some sketches that actually convey something about what it means to be a young leftwing person in America. I always hold out for political content, but we don't begin that way. We begin with funny." Their process prioritizes improvisation over strict scripting, fostering a lived-in, open-ended feel that engages audiences deeply.
Di Poi adds, "We came from writing sketch in the UCB style, where it's quite regimented. Then we started seeing acts at the Annoyance theater in New York where you didn't know where the joke was going to come from. That felt less rigid and a lot more surprising – and that's what we want our shows to feel like."
Financial Realities and Future Hopes
Despite critical acclaim, TV deals remain elusive. Di Poi likens the group to a band, noting, "There's clearly an economic disadvantage to being in a thing with five people." Niedmann admits, "The realisation we have is: it won't ever make us money. We just do it because it's been such a joy and a meaningful part of our adulthood and our friendship." However, Lanier humorously interjects, "But we're open to making money from it," with Di Poi adding, "If you want to give us money, we won't say no."
Simple Town's performances at Soho Theatre in London from 23-28 March promise to deliver their signature blend of humor and camaraderie, proving that artistic fulfillment can outweigh financial gain in the world of sketch comedy.
