You are browsing our archive of past reviews. Shows often evolve and develop as time goes on, so the views expressed here may not be an accurate reflection of current productions.

Georgia Hurt and Laura Anderson are a fun-loving double act in the style of French and Saunders, Morecambe and Wise et al., mixing comedy sketches and songs, with some traditional on-stage conflict thrown in for good measure. Today they have set out to perform a series of planned and rigorously rehearsed sketches – at least that is what Hurt thinks. Anderson has other ideas.

Cue an hour of punchy material structured around the potential breakdown of a decade-long friendship. It could go one of two ways with this alternative panto-style rapport. There are moments where it feels a tad contrived, but fortunately on this occasion the audience are happy to go through the motions (all in emoji, of course) as Anderson repeatedly tries to sabotage the show for her own Moulin Rouge-inspired ambitions, and Hurt reaches boiling point.

It's an endearing act; it's not an easy task to convince the audience that there is a natural conflict of interest unravelling live on stage. They could probably explore this further, perhaps interrupting a few more sketches for the sake of continuity, or referencing the script more to bring out the metaphysical comedy lurking in the shadows. But there are some wonderful recurring jokes, and great moments when the two on stage appear to almost break down in fits of laughter during some of the more ridiculous routines.

While most of the show lands them in relatively safe territory, Hurt and Anderson aren't afraid to delve into more biting topics like politics and social commentary. There are some hilarious, thoughtful highlights like Laura's poignant rant on women's roles in popular culture, and a catchy tune covering the “under-reported” general election.

Hurt and Anderson may pretend not to be best of friends but, as the title of the show suggests, come what may each needs the other to make this work; and despite their personal lives being hung out on stage like the proverbial dirty laundry, you do hope by the end of it that they'll come to some reluctant agreement. Because in a sea of male-dominated comedy, the world needs more Hurt and Anderson. They might not be breaking new ground yet, but you feel they are just getting started.