Sitting in the Pleasance at 12am watching Twins is perhaps one of the more bizarre ways to kick-start your day. Whether it was their charm or to take shelter from the rain, the show attracted a diverse audience; people in their pyjamas, people drinking tea, people drinking vodka and people eating their tea. However, unlike many free shows in the fringe, there was a sense that everyone had come together for the same reason- to appreciate reliably good comedy without having to make any effort.
Annie McGrath and Jack Barry are not actually twins but work remarkably well as a comedy duo. The two first appear as the scouse interns and warm up act ‘Wack’ and ‘Wannie’ who, I can’t help but feel are likened to a former McGrath and Barry, before they got good. The Twins then take to stage in their blasé manner, conforming to the script when it suits them, using minimal costume and props and delivering an hour of commendable comedy.
Barry is told that he will die in an hour’s time, convenient considering the shows running time, so uses his time wisely and ticks as many things off his bucket list as possible. However, they seem to bend the rules ever so slightly as his aim to ride a horse involves piggy-backing an audience member and ‘taking drugs’ includes a large bag of flour, at least I hope it does.
Not afraid to challenge the heckling members of the crowd whilst maintaining the rhythm of the show, McGrath and Barry are ingeniously witty and have made something so basic, brilliant. If the thought of being curled up on the sofa is more appealing then you’re half way there, join the other pyjama revellers and come to Twins, after all nothing seems to faze these two.
A review by Louise Stoddart
After finishing university last summer, I took a year to go travelling and immerse myself in different cultures and cuisines. I am now back in Edinburgh doing some freelance writing, indulging in the Edinburgh foodie scene. My food blog and travel blog are regularly updated and document all of my experiences. Enjoy!