one4review | On 17, Aug 2024

There’s a visual gag at the start of this show involving a household appliance which is utterly silly and entirely emblematic of the show. It tells you exactly what you’re in for, and the rest of the show doesn’t disappoint. It is in many ways an ideal late night Fringe show: pulpy medieval sci-fi performed by two maniacally grinning beanpoles in robes and tights encouraging the audience to sing, which makes you wonder if you might have wandered into a cult. You know, the best sorts of shows.

The beanpoles – the eponymous Duncan Brothers – are brilliant. They look as if they’re really enjoying the show, particularly the bits where they get to play with the audience (such as the singing, and the echoes). They hurl everything into their performances, and despite the fact that things – like the plot and whose line it is – might seem a bit optional, they have everything nailed down and under control (even the wayward echoes).

There are two parallel narratives, which come together at the end, and (spoilers!) do a great job of raising awareness of a particular issue, without detracting in the slightest from the fun. Any major plot holes are addressed within the show, but the style and genre means that plot holes are to be expected and celebrated rather than criticised. It takes incredible skill and control to present this sort of anarchy with such accomplished precision, and this duo are masters.

Reviewed by Laura

Underbelly Cowgate
21:30
Until 25th