The Travelling Sisters

Imagery-led surrealist show that threatens to takes things a little too far

This article is from 2016.

credit: Holly Broomhall

Maybe it's something they put in the water in Brisbane as this Aussie trio seem to take the notion of surrealist comedy and push it one step beyond. These things can so easily go wrong, but, in the main, here it works as The Travelling Sisters create a distinctly otherworldly vibe.

One of their most distinctive qualities is the funky soundtracking. Their obvious love of, and skill with, music is displayed throughout with most skits requiring some kind of score, while their interesting method of changing costume entails them stripping to their undies in front of the audience and wiggling about to an increasingly silly refrain.

The main issue with the show is that the first section is far too slowly paced. The tempo would work far better if they cut a couple of the earlier sketches short – the death by pork-pie sketch for example – and maybe added in one or two more. We're almost halfway through before the three finally unleash their full crazy with potatoes, a giant lady and paintings that come to life, leaving us with some pretty vivid mental images that should linger in the mind for some time.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 28 Aug, 10.45pm, £7.50–£9.50 (£7–£8.50).