Snuff Box

From the shocking opening scene to the oddly moving final song at the end of the series, Snuffbox will make you laugh at the strangeness of its writing and then gasp as suddenly it takes a vicious dark turn.

Not every sketch is what it appears from the outset and the use of what would normally be clichéd jokes as deliberate points to then rip from the norm is not only clever, but original if occasionally disgusting.

This is not comedy for the every day, this is not comedy for those who enjoy the nice sort of story that has happy couples having the vicar around for tea. This is comedy for those with a dark heart who enjoy exploring the dangerous side of humour.

So if you can find a gory death funny, can laugh at obsessive behaviour and are not easily offended, then this is for you. Not only that, the music is worthy of a listen on its own and it has to be said that Berry has the most unusual yet tuneful voice.

This show is not as nihilistically brutal as say Chris Morris' Jam, but it is still at the black edge of British comedy and is worthy of your time.

BBC3 has brought some fantastic comedy shows to our screens over the last few years like little Britain and the mighty boosh. Snuff box is no exception, in fact it is hilarious and my favourite show of 06, though it isn't to everyones taste.

Matt berry and Rich Fulcher star as a hangman and his American assistant respectably, It is based somewhere in upper class London, which for some reason has a lot mentally ill people roaming the streets. The pair spend their days hanging condemned souls for cash, chasing women and sitting in their rather posh gentleman's club sipping whiskey.

The plot may seem strange but believe me, the comedy moments are priceless and couldn't be achieved by any other show, for example, the execution scenes where we see lads doing their job, hanging criminals with the priest who would rather be down the 'rubber dub' than stand around reading the last rights all day. It may seem sick but it is funny.

With original music including the awesome theme tune (written and composed by Berry),various sketch-like scenes and the incredible comedy double act of Berry and Fulcher, all in all a top show which, if you give it a chance, will have you in stitches.

This show has some of my favorite running gags of all time. Matt Berry kills it as always.

First off, I want to say that "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" and "Mr. Show with Bob and David" are two of my favorite shows. And now another alternative comedy, "Snuff Box," is a new favorite. The show features comedians Matt Berry and Rich Fulcher. They played Dixon Bainbridge and Bob Fossil respectively on another marvelous show, "The Mighty Boosh." Berry was additionally on the brilliant "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace" as well as "The IT Crowd."

Like any alternative comedy, "Snuff Box" does not adhere to any familiar format. It is not completely a sketch comedy, sitcom, or a dramedy. What is discernible is the outrageous humor. There is an ongoing storyline, which focuses on Berry and Fulcher as a hangman and his assistant. As foils, Berry and Fulcher are hilarious. Nonetheless, the show is strewn with unforgettable bits that display Fulcher's zaniness. There is never a slow moment, and much of the material is genuinely unique. Lastly, the music provided by Berry is a wonderful addition.

I cannot guarantee that those who liked Berry on "The IT Crowd" will enjoy "Snuff Box," as "The IT Crowd" was more mainstream. However, if you are a fan of "The Mighty Boosh," "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace," or alternative comedy in general, I am sure that you will like "Snuff Box."

There is a darkness in this humor that is hard to shake off. If you are already familiar with and enjoy the work of Berry and Fulcher then jump right in. They are at their peak here.