menu

BRIGHTON FRINGE REVIEW: Pelican @The Warren Studio 3

Quick and Punchy Comedy

Pelican is one of the best sketch-comedies I’ve seen at the Fringe in years. Created and performed by ex-Footlights Jordan, Sam and Guy, the trio has charisma, likability and wit all rolled into one.

With a cheeky spin on 1970s neo-noir film, Pelican follows a narrative that surrounds oblivious actor Charles Heron and his search to find the truth behind an old Hollywood curse…before it kills him. Sprinkled throughout are hilarious tangents of over-the-top TV clips, absurd physical comedy and audience participation (just the right amount of audience participation), which don’t seem relevant to the main story at first, but as the play unfolds it becomes more and more clear how intelligently crafted Pelican is.

My absolute favourite moments of the show were when something technical malfunctioned (like the fog machine not being plugged in at the start of the show) and the three performers had to improvise through gritted teeth; you could see the genuine bond between the three young men onstage and I felt like I was among friends.

Pelican is quick and punchy – reminiscent of The Play That Goes Wrong – and if you’re at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, you better grab tickets ASAP…before they sell out!

BRIGHTON FRINGE REVIEW: Bourgeois & Maurice: How to Save the World Without Really Trying @Spiegeltent

Campy, clever clowns

By far, one of the best shows I’ve seen in this year’s Fringe is Bourgeois & Maurice: How to Save the World Without Really Trying.

Politically charged, tongue-firmly-planted-in-cheek and incredibly catchy, the music from intergalactic dynamic duo Bourgeois & Maurice had me grinning like an idiot throughout the entire 70-minute performance. Personal favourites include the merciless anthems Goodbye Europe and British Values (an apropos serving of irony in our silly post-Brexit world) and the outrageous Chemsex Party (a perfect harmony of sentimental melody and biting lyrics).

Besides their topical tunes, I loved the banter between each number; it felt like stand-up comedy, cabaret and circus all rolled into one show. I was also impressed with how tight the lighting and video was – which is usually a shortcoming for many Fringe shows. At one point, Bourgeois & Maurice have a Skype conversation with Bourgeois & Maurice on-screen and the exchange was so smooth it emphasised the duo’s sheer talent and attention to detail.

My only criticism is that I wanted more. This should be a full-length show.

Check them out on Spotify.

Venue: Spiegeltent

Dates: May 28-29

 

X