A couple of clunkily attired characters bumble an introduction that they were their being the support act for TWO HEARTS and launch into a catchy country style song about men’s mental health. The conceit is mental health being used as a lame excuse for men’s bad behaviour and laced through the song are some very funny examples of idiocy, brain explosions and stupidity.
A quick costume change brings on stage TWO HEARTS, New Zealand comedic musical duo Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore. A joke about using a pre-recorded backing track is woven into the show which also uses two large electronic screens to support the performance. They quickly have the audience onside and participating with a song about taking off your clothes, and as this is a comedy the idea of taking off your clothes is subverted and is not what you may think.
This fun show continues with songs about going to the pharmacy, pescatarians, and the dilemma of having babies in an overpopulated and warming world. The songs come in a variety of styles with pop, rap and metal being some. The issue of not catching all the lines is mollified by key phrases being displayed on the big screens. Various costume changes add another visual language to the show to go with the phrases and images displayed on the electronic screens.
The poor behaviour of various male celebrities is covered in a song about people Laura previously admired but have subsequently been found to have behaved horribly. Numerous fallen idols are mentioned such as Roman Polanski, R Kelly and Gary Glitter. She admits that Andrew used to be her favourite prince.
Laura claims her big ambition is to write a West End musical and have it produced. It turns out she has written it and performs part of her one woman musical for the audience. The song she performs is a powerful ballad, performed in that particular style of the modern musical. Its theme harks back to the opening act about men’s bad behaviour and adds to the narrative arc of the show.
TWO HEARTS – DON’T STOP THROBBING is a well-produced and entertaining show. The screens, backing track, many props and costume changes indicate the endeavour and professionalism of this duo. There are lots of laughs, catchy songs and clever repartee. There are shows tonight, Saturday 26th April and tomorrow, Sunday 27th April at the lively Factory Theatre, Marrickville and it is recommended.
