Everything about Giants Are Fjörd, the Fringe favourite duo’s new show for 2019, is exciting. The entrance of the titular couple to the Pleasance Baby Grand past the queuing audience; the characterisation of Lars and Ulrich; their at times deeply loving and others venomously spiteful relationship; the story of their success, and, of course, their music! The show is truly ingenious example of the beauty of character comedy, as the boys of Fjörd bubble with colour and layers to be enjoyed by the audience with electric vigour.
The Giants succeed in crafting something that feels funky fresh but also universally accessible
As Fjörd press on with the story of their rise to success as a major force in Eurodance, confident, sharp storytelling and a tremendous gag-rate rule. We’re wowed by their most famous hits and enchanted by their stab at a musical based on a famous franchise, then we’re right there with them as they overcome the differences that come to divide them in order to fight for the glory of eurodance. And as an audience, we follow with wide eyes and lengthy grins, laughing hysterically and having the time of our lives. The Giants succeed in crafting something that feels funky fresh but also universally accessible, a style that anybody and everyone can enjoy.
Fjörd, as a comedic creation, have just the right balance of ridiculousness and careful characterisation. You’ll leave desperate to see more of them. What’s more, the show around them is perfectly considered, fantastically paced and charged with an exceptional vibrancy that pushes the whole thing forward with powerful, dynamic momentum. It’s an incredibly tight hour of comedy and storytelling, and a joy to witness.
