Boris and Sergey are back for the sequel to their Vaudevillian Adventure, which premiered at the Fringe last year. In this episode, Boris embarks on a bumbling rescue mission to save Sergey from Hell.
In the hands of some very talented, solemn and smartly dressed puppeteers, the two leather creatures are given a life of their own entirely. Much of the comedy is drawn from this complete dependency on the puppeteer and upkeep of the character's 'soul'- or lack thereof, in Sergey's case.
The original show was excellent and was one of the best shows that I saw last year. However, Perilous Escapade spends far too much time recapping the first show, for the supposed benefit of those who haven't seen it. Though I needing some refreshing myself, I still found some of it quite confusing and pointless. This takes far too much time and comes after a very lengthy introduction and voiceover skit that doesn't get much of a response.
From past experience, the most successful aspects of Boris and Sergey were their loveable and deceitful characters, brought out best by their roundabout conversations and fumbled attempts at swindling the audience. There is a lot less interaction in this show, as the puppets are separated for most of it. Instead, what is left of the hour is filled with some admittedly very cool action scenes - especially done to the soundtrack of Awolnation or Requiem for a Dream - which gave the puppeteers an opportunity to show off their skills.
Unfortunately there is just far too little comedy, emphasised by the audible appreciation of those titbits we do get fed, such as the brilliant River Styx boat scenes, and Boris' butterflies.'We'll have to make a third one', they say in the disappointing conclusion, but if they continue on this gradient, there won't be much left to review.
