Max Dowler and Rachel Parris start the show with deadpan insistence that they are not a double act. Rachel Parris leaves the stage to give way to Max Dowler's array of impressions.

Max Dowler's main focus is those celebrities a typical television viewer would recognise; and easily too - his vocal precision is something to be admired. When teamed with some well-observed facial expressions - particularly his squinting, abrasive (UK tv celebrity business executive) Alan Sugar - they are a pleasure to watch. Finishing off his 20-minute segment with a narrative involving unlikely target television host Roy Walker (of UK tv programme Catchphrase) shows some flair in his ability to narrate as well as impersonate. It highlights what may have been lacking with the rest of his performance. Obviously vocally talented, his prior impressions may sit better with a more structured, relevant narrative. At times he lets a celebrity burst impulsively into his performance without giving much relation to a story.

Rachel Parris joins him on stage for a touch of berating banter before delivering her own brand of musical comedy. Her vocal abilities are impeccable as she churns out whimsical numbers describing amusing - hopefully fictional - relationships. Her disposition seems warm and personable, with a slice of sardonic observational wit delivered with tentative comic timing. Her obvious musical capability and slick humour could be backed up further with more consideration for a through-line of action, evident with one of her finishing pieces - Roy Walker. This time confronting his role as her fictional stalker, it creates a reference point between the performances of Rachel Parris and Max Dowler which is sorely needed.

Finally Rachel Parris and Max Dowler perform together. Max Dowler plays (aggressive UK tv host) Jeremy Kyle. Rachel Parris plays Jeremy Kyle's array of world-weary guests. Music is Valerie (2007) by (late UK singer) Amy Winehouse (1983-2011). Here both performers are at their strongest and it would be encouraging to see them play more with this strength. There is a touching rapport which is cheering to watch, a sunny disposition, well-observed humour.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Max Dowler - Performer. Rachel Parris - Performer.

Company Credits: Writer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - PBH's Free Fringe. Website - www.parrisanddowler.com.

END

(c) Alexandra Kavanagh 2011

reviewed 2011 / Bar 50, Edinburgh, UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com