The Perrier award nominees Toulson and Harvey return once again to the Fringe bringing their unique form of humour. With such an anarchic energy, it makes it hard to describe what the show is about, as the two comedians spend their 45 minutes act embodying a host of random characters ranging from Spanish brothers, a drunken singer and his guitarist on the Wembley scene, or even odder characters from CSI : Jerusalem, to Gordon Brown or (the public’s favourite) a competition of Scottish impersonators. However, the two actors manage to somehow find a balance between losing the audience in a disorganised structure, while offering disconnected scenes to show off the protagonists’ talent.
For these two guys are very talented, not only excellent comics but even better actors, who make you forget you’re sitting in a small room, right in front of a small stage. They are both conscious (and at times even self-conscious with nervous laughter at their own improvisation) of what they are doing, and although the comedy is composed of various interpretations of their supposedly initial meeting, the show manages to incorporate the audience into the witty succession of stories that are always funny, sometimes hilarious.
Their sense of self-derision helps the audience feels comfortable enough to take part in the show. They directly address spectators but the atmosphere never turns awkward, leaving you free to enjoy a light comedy, consistently tainted of smart, sharp reflections on current politics and society. Toulson and Harvey have no pretension of aiming at a political satire and seem happy to offer a diverting show; their acting talent somehow leaves the audience with the feeling that they deserve a broader recognition, and a larger fan base.
3/5
Adeline Amar
