First of all, it seems a little strange that this comedy pair, comprising of York St John University graduates Thomas Gladstone and Thomas Gray, refer to their performance as the “fringe cringe show,” or perhaps brave. Although, with some of the uncomfortable viewing that parades itself around the Fringe each year, perhaps it’s good that this is all deliberate. “The show is about socially inept people and the awkward situations they get into,” they explain, “and we call it cringe comedy.” Inspired by such comedy characters as Alan Partridge, David Brent and Basil Fawlty, the two Toms appear to relish in the uncomfortable elements of every day life. “Sadly, quite a lot of it is taken from our own lives,” they confess, “we have a wealth of experience when it comes to awkward and embarrassing moments”. The social faux pas that unites them both is, apparently, their giggling at the funerals of respective grandparents. They explain: “that thing when you’re being told something quite serious, and you’re so aware that the very worst thing you could do is laugh; and then you’re thinking about it so much that that’s what you end up doing. It’s really cringe-worthy, but that’s what makes it so funny and that’s the sort of thing we’re looking to capture.”
Apparently, though, they’re sure it’s the sort of stuff audience members can relate to. When asked of their most embarrassing moments, they inform me of the time they “had a bit too much to drink and ended up in the shower naked while our housemates filmed us” – sure, who hasn’t been there? Within the show, however, it doesn’t seem to go that far. The most cringe worthy thing there, they insist, is “the scene where one of us is Morris dancing while the other is stood in his pants”. Deliberate or not, the cringing comedy genre is a strong one, and Socially Retarded follows Tomfoolery’s funny footsteps towards a tour, so keep your eyes peeled for this pair.
IN FIVE WORDS:
Favourite thing about your show?
Getting to know the audience!
Favourite thing about the Festival?
Every second of every day!
Where can we find you when you’re not performing?
Flyering on the Royal Mile!
What are you most looking forward to once it’s all over?
Taking the show to London
Why don’t you befriend Tomfoolery through their MySpace page? Not only can you chat to them, but see some funny videos!
To catch Tomfoolery live this Fringe, see them from the 7th till the 21st (excluding the 9th and 16th) at 18:10 at The Space @ Royal College of Surgeons.
Graham McIntosh
