The X Factor
MEAT
By Jon Pack & Jason Kalter of Rue Brutalia

Christ. Do you remember 2005?

What a time to come into sketch comedy in New York City. It was an era defined by the surge of echo-boomers with roots in early 90s SNL, Kids in the Hall, and Mr. Show, as well as the birth of YouTube, which told the world “any schmuck can do it!”

We were the aspiring schmucks. Not even a comedy team yet, we were just fledgling sketch writers at The P.I.T. (yes, the “old” location). And the world we walked into was populated by names that were giants to us: Whitest Kids, Trophy Dad, Elephant Larry, Fearsome, and of course, MEAT. They all did something dramatically different than any sketch we had seen before.

A very MEATy cocktail party

But MEAT had something particularly unique at a time before the Fey-Poehler-ization of comedy: a comedy group entirely made up of women. This was not a sketch group consisting of wannabe-Broadway babies, happy that the boys let them play on stage from time to time. They were not a group of token gal-pals, hopping into cookie cutter templates carved out by the generation before them. These were gifted and accomplished stage performers looking to bend rules, break down walls, and do whatever the f*ck they found funny. They didn’t ask to be on stage, they just took the damn thing. And the best part: this wasn’t in any way exploitative of their all-female status. This was never presented in a way that rang of “look at us! Women can be funny too!” They were just four ferociously funny people nailing scenes with amazing precision and acting chops.

Yes—the acting chops. There’s the shape-shifting versatility of Livia Scott, who’s captivating any time she hit the stage or screen. Then there’s Elizabeth “Biz” Ellis, who effortless combines the poise of a focused actress with the feisty edge of a rock ‘n roll comedian. There was also the natural charisma and strength of Reggan Holland, and of course, Becky Poole—a plucky ball of contagious energy that rounded out the group nicely. Watching Livia & Becky play “evil British children” in one of MEAT’s memorable sketches, is more than enough ammo to prove that these ladies have an amazing capacity for characters (always committed, whether they were playing female or male). Sadly, it’s a set of strengths that have gone un-emphasized in the modern sketch comedy scene.

[Video: "Evil British Children at Bedtime" by MEAT]

So do yourself a favor and check out MEAT’s body of work…especially if you’re a new schmuck on the scene.

You can catch MEAT (for the first time in four years!) at Sketchfest NYC on Saturday, June 11th, 11pm and Rue Brutalia on Friday, June 10th at 11pm. Both shows are at the UCB Theatre. More at funnymeat.com

Jason Kalter & Jon Pack

Rue Brutalia is a comedy duo featuring Jon Pack and Jason Kalter. They’ve performed at UCB, The PIT, and all around the country with over 16 bajillion video hits online (possible 15.9 bajillion margin of error). More at Youtube.com/ruebrutalia.