Toronto Fringe Review: Sweet Action UFC 3

UFC 3: No Laughing Matter by Sweet Action Theatre throws a group of comedians into a live game show with one goal: make each other laugh without breaking yourself. What unfolds is a chaotic, joyfully unserious mix of clown, improv, and sketch, where the audience plays just as big a role as the cast.

There’s a scrappy charm throughout. Performers dive into each other’s bits without warning, slipping into physical gags and off-the-wall characters. Some of the best laughs come from these unexpected moments—when someone slowly unravels another’s routine or derails them with a single well-timed glance. The show lives in the moment, and the cast clearly revels in the mess.

Rather than sit back, the crowd is invited to heckle, cheer, and call out when someone cracks. This interactive element keeps everyone engaged and adds another layer of unpredictability. The more vocal and playful the audience, the stronger the show becomes.

That looseness, while part of the appeal, also brings a few rough patches. Without a set order or clear transitions, some stretches lag as performers search for footing or a bit fizzles too soon.

Still, when the group finds its rhythm—building off each other’s momentum or reviving a callback at just the right time—it clicks. A rotating lineup of guest performers adds variety to each night, and with a touch more structure to support the chaos, they’d have a real knockout on their hands.

For those who enjoy watching comedy take shape in real time, or simply want to see funny people try not to laugh, UFC 3: No Laughing Matter is a show worth attending. It’s funny, scrappy, and brimming with potential.

Sweet Action Theatre presents UFC 3: No Laughing Matter is on now until July 12 as part of Toronto Fringe. Schedule and tickets.