Sometimes an act just needs to warm up. Junction 2 start off shaky but eventually get the audience on side with the story of Eddie and Arthur, variety comedians in the ‘Morecambe And Wise’ vein, who unravel during a gruelling tour. Mix the subject matter with the raw performers and unrefined dialogue and at times it resembles a low-budget ‘behind the laughter’ documentary, yet despite a few creaky moments, it is elevated by strong characterisation. Relentless backstage banter and well-timed sight gags serve to enliven and entertain, and it also emphasises the desperate defence-mechanism humour destroying Arthur, who is played with a mad-eyed intensity by writer Martyn Grahame. Occasionally corny, it remains smart and funny – quite fitting for a teatime double act.
theSpaces at Surgeon’s Hall, 5 – 27 Aug, times vary, £6.00 – £7.00, fpp257.
tw rating 3/5
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Sections: by Dave Fargnoli - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: Junction 2 Productions, Space Venues
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