Two Hearts: Edinburgh World Tour continues at Underbelly Cowgate; Big Belly until 26 August 2018.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
What a blast. A late night cabaret that grabs from the word go and doesn’t let go – ever. All the way from Auckland, Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore expect a rapturous welcome in ‘The Cowgate Arena’ and the audience happily obliges.
“Who came here to party?” is the perfect opening for the show – we’re all on the same side and up for laughs, raunchy moves and Laura is quick to spot those dragged along against their will and makes sure they’re suitably occupied for the next hour…
Two (hugely expensive!) plasma screens are used throughout to great effect to support or counter the lyrics for each song. As Joe has discovered, song is stronger than straight comedy – much easier… Every song is packed full with humour: vulgar, in your face and unquestionably funny. Not to say the ‘Big Issues’ aren’t tackled; everything from the cosmetics industry, Brexit, consent and #MeToo is covered in this fast-paced, over-the-top joy.
The songs are all strong and showcase Laura’s vocals in particular. A consummate diva, she commands the room effortlessly: “I did think we’d be playing in a bigger venue and not under a leaky bridge.” She disregards the setting and gives a full-on arena scale performance, complete with costume changes and some bangin’ moves.
Joe has his moment – well, for half a song anyway, as he reminisces about ‘The Year When All the Celebrities Died’. For those still in mourning, this is the antidote, especially if you share Laura’s grief over Alan Rickman…
Special mention to the long-suffering stage manager and her anticipation of every need Laura cares to have.
GO – wave your light-up wristband and laugh till the tears run down your face. Big Belly is a venue at the very top of the Cowgate complex, but worth the climb!
Fiona Orr
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