Underbelly Cowgate
Aug 26-27 (20:10)
Respondeat Superior
Australian-born, London-based comics, Patrick and Hugo McPherson, are two identical twins joined at the quip. They’re tall, handsome blokes with superman jawlines, dual passports, dual accents, sweet dispositions and lighting fast comedy instincts. Their show, Pear: But Braver, is fantastically satisfying from go to whoa, from get go to let’s go, everything sat in that sanctified comedy sweet spot of ‘unbridled joy’.
There is something seriously special about this paring. They’re my pick of the festival – super endearing and they set the tone so well from the outset. They have killer timing as they trade off that inimitable connection that only identical twins can have. They’re literal umbilical brothers and seem to be able to read each other’s thoughts and execute the humour as if from one mind. It’s a kind of cohesion that only comes about if you’ve had 30+ years of experience since you played your first womb together.
The pacing in the scenes, coupled with the show design, quickfire sketches (that never overstay) and sarcastic self-referencing all work delightfully well. The cues are brilliantly ironic and perfectly synchronised with “Johnny” the lighting guy. They’re just amazing writers. Innovative, clever and chock-full of gold moments – gifts that keep on giving long after you’ve left the theatre. You can tell they’ve been cultivating their own style and material for yonks, being circumspect and judicious in sorting for only the highest quality premises, hilarious subversions and satisfying punchlines. There’s no pushing or over-reaching, they’re just effortlessly funny.
The theme of the show is “being braver”. It was inspired by a sucky review they got down-under that was clearly a low blow. The reviewer said their previous show, ‘Pear’ was good but wished they were “braver”. Well. This show is certainly them being brave and reveling in fearless abandon – ticking off a list of goals for the show that qualify in showing up the critical reviewer. They note the adage, “those who can’t do, review”, which I was laughing at till I remembered I’m the reviewer, but despite wishing it wasn’t accurate, I did hold to my principles that as long as you’re funny, you can say anything you damn well want and be rewarded for your bravery.
And rewarded they should be, with sell-out crowds and bigger stages. You must see this dynamic duo. Since they shared their first strong opening, they’ve been building a wonderful brand of comedy and we’re bound to see them conquering the culture in years to come. I can’t wait to see their next show and I just might use my last precious few nights at the Fringe to see them again. You should too but not before I’ve got my ticket please – very likely to sell out. In one sentence, it’s a riotously fun night out.
Stuart Bruce
Mumble Comedy 