Cambridge has a strong reputation for sketch shows, with the fabled Footlights and their extraordinary alumni setting expectations superlatively high. From personal experience, this isn’t always warranted: sketches and skits can be incredibly hit and miss, often encouraging more chuckles than the expected raucous laughter.

I’m pleased to be able to say that Love Handles, the 2015 Footlights’ International Tour Show managed to avoid this trap. It was undoubtedly the finest, most polished sketch show I’ve seen during my time in Cambridge. It was clever, witty and stupid in equal measure; there was a coherence and a consistency that I’ve never before seen in such a show, with an overarching apocalyptic plot uniting many of the sketches and providing a wonderfully hilarious finale. Geographers beware: your degree is certainly not free from ridicule. And be wary of sitting up front: audience participation was, of course, included, demonstrating the cast’s impressive improvisational skills.

No topic was out of bounds, which sometimes led to some slightly awkward laughter: I’m thinking of the skit about sexual habits in an old persons’ home. However, there were some hugely original ideas, particularly the mime-based shaving-in-the-shower piece performed by the formidable Olivia Le Andersen. I have to say I was immediately impressed by the strong female presence during the show - unusual for Cambridge comedy -  with Eleanor Colville and Le Anderson standing out and producing many of the funniest moments of the evening.

All five performers were impressive and dynamic, delivering a wide range of distinct characters. Luke Sumner and Le Anderson shone, though; they were physical and energetic, never breaking character (unlike some of the others) and it was clear that both were incredibly competent actors on top of being strong comedians.

A simple production value was surprisingly effective. There was no set, just a few chairs; clever lighting created a range of scenarios despite this. Preposterous and strange props and wigs fleshed out the scenes, with basic costumes - five brightly coloured t-shirts - creative a blank canvas onto which the performers projected a vast array of personalities, with convincing accents complimenting exaggerated caricatures.

It was clear that this was the conclusion of the tour: everything was polished and immaculate, although the odd line or cue was, sadly, botched. However, it didn’t fall into the trap of feeling overly rehearsed; there was still energy and a remarkable freshness.

I always think that the mark of a good sketch show is if, given an unlimited budget, it could be made into a Friday evening BBC1 sketch show. This certainly passed that test: these five Footlights could easily go far. I was left wanting more, I would certainly tune in next week for another episode. This is Cambridge sketch comedy at its finest and I strongly recommend seeing this. I doubt a show of this calibre will come along again soon, unless its a sequel to Love Handles.