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MOST POPULAR LINKS... FRONT PAGE... MONTHLY DRINKS NIGHT
Sam 'n' Emma
in
POP TARTS
Verdict: Two naughty sisters and a funeral
Edinburgh - The Pleasance - August 03
Festival Update 25 August 03 Fringe Report reviewed the full show of Sam n Emma in London in April (below) and covered extracts at two other venues (The Clap Clinic, and
Comedy A JoJos). Brief update from the Edinburgh run, at the final performance Monday 25 August 03:
The show has proved consistently excellent, and plays tonight to a capacity crowd, after a sell-out Edinburgh run. The performances, by Emma Taylor and Samantha Sanns, are full of joie de vivre, and a firm grasp (Ooh, Matron) of the art of ribald entertainment.
Full Review 14 April 03: Sam and Emma Scott are the two daughters a stage-struck mum might think in advance to be a good idea. The reality is far, far worse. And Mum's dead.
Sam 'n' Emma in Pop Tarts may be one of the filthiest shows now degrading London's comedy stages - it's certainly one of the funniest.
We meet Sam and Emma shortly before Mum's funeral, in a subversive version of the 50s song 'Sisters' that sets the tone for the downhill trend of taste to follow.
'So Bleeding Careful' captures two young mothers reflecting on motherhood, and how one has to watch what one puts in one's mouth. 'Pole Dancers' explores the dance possibilites of nightclub life, while wearing large exposed fake breasts and bottoms. 'Funeral' catches the devoted sisters at Mum's graveside, recalling how much they hate each other, and Mum.
'Penelope and Greta' shows what happens when a tv sex guru encounters an embittered gardening expert. But back to the sisters:
Sam's interviewed on what may have become of her since the sisters' double act peaked in 1987. In 'Reading of the Will' the girls are issued with a challenge from beyond the grave: re-form, and scale the peaks of yesterday's success (and inherit millions). Or receive nothing.
The prospect of unlimited wealth focuses the sisters' minds, overcoming sibling hatred (several stages beyone rivalry), and the blissfully acted and sung 'Taste The Food of Love' comes (as it were) into its own.
Secrets of the distant past are waiting to be revealed. Kinky psychiatrists Dr Fry and Dr Barker disclose professional confidences, assisted by a fortune teller with a clearer view of what's gone than what's to come.
And not so distant. The show's climactic song 'Pop Tart, Fish, Humous, Profiteroles, Cheese Dips' twists subtly to reveal all.
Pop Tarts benefits from the enlightened direction of Alex Dower. He paces the sketches skilfully, creating focus and continuity. Jake Wiltshire's lighting (and smoke) create a series of individual and subtle moods to the sketches, greatly enhancing and accumulating their dramatic effect.
Samantha Sanns and Emma Taylor evolve two sparkling and wholly believable characters who take sisterhood to a new level of exhuberant tastelessness. Their gifted performances, from dance (with fine choreography from Jack Rebaldi), to song (musical director Pete Smith), and subtle, enlightened acting (to a magnificent script from a team of accomplished comedy sketch writers) - create a show that's rude, fast, and very, very funny.
Performer Credits (alpha order): Samantha Sanns (Sam Scott, EastEnd mum, Pole Dancer, Penelope Stashgadget, Dr Fry, Cannibal Petula). Emma Taylor (Emma Scott, EastEnd mum, Pole Dancer Nora, Greta Barlow, interviewer Sheila, Dr Barker, Cannibal Miriam, Fortune Teller). Voice overs (include) - Alex Dower.
Company Credits (programme order): Writers - Andrew Doyle, Geoff Aymer, James Harris, John Random, Marc Blakewill. Director - Alex Dower. Musical Director - Pete Smith. Choreographer - Jack Rebaldi. Lights and Sound - Jake Wiltshire.
END
John Park
reviewed 14 April 03 / Canal Café Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2010
