Welcome to the jungle. Or more accurately, the “Flatpack Thunderdome”. IKEA Wars sees two comedians battle it out to build a Råskog trolley. With only seven steps and the instructions right in front of them, it’s a deceptively straightforward concept. 

Enter the “sabotages”. Each competitor chooses three from a selection that includes “hurricane” and “ten seconds of doom and destruction". Will they phone in a friend from the audience or force their opponent to wear socks on their hands? This creates the game show drama that makes IKEA Wars so entertaining.

Host Kieran Bullock was a polished host who brought much-needed energy to the late-night slot. Competitors necessarily change each show to keep the competition fresh and exciting. Last night, it was mimes Marcel Cole and Joylyn Secunda who took the stage. Self-described IKEA expert Marcel was the favourite, while Joylyn assumed the role of the everyday underdog. Both were hilarious and leant into the absurdity of the “sabotages”. 

While the show could vary widely with the style of comedy and IKEA building skill of the competitors, the concept is unique enough to guarantee it’s entertaining. I found the exposition of the rules and game specifics drawn out and slightly tedious, but once we got to the action, I was enthralled. I was so thoroughly entertained I was actually disappointed to see a competitor win. Is it sick of me to have wanted to see them suffer more? 

A great show for IKEA fanatics and detesters alike, and a lesson in finding the hilarious in the mundane.