In a frenzy of blood, sweat, tears and sequins, the Heavens cracked open last night and Peter and Bambi rained down upon us. Straight from Australia’s Gold Coast, this perma-tanned pair are the dancing illusionists cum cruise ship entertainers you’ve always dreamed of laughing at. With a fabulous array of costumes, a couple of questionable wigs, varying degrees of nudity and oodles of tack, this loved-up duo present a hilarious hour of entertainment in which they dance their way through some of the most enjoyably amateur routines you’ve ever seen.
This raucous, puerile and surprisingly gruesome show is not for the faint-hearted but, as Bambi points out, “fear is only the recognition of possible harm” – so what have you got to worry about!
In fact, Peter and Bambi are the comedy creations of real life husband and wife Asher Treleaven & Gypsy Wood – and they are genius. Bambi’s die-hard commitment to the entertainment cause (five parts enthusiasm and the talent not so much) initially steals the show, but Peter’s long-suffering charm and commendably tight outfits keep the laughs coming thick and fast. With this double act you get a lot more than you’ve bargained for – usually in the region of the crotch.
There is a noticeable variance in the quality of this variety show’s acts. The act in which both characters try their hand at the art of mime is hysterical, as are the cloak and dagger ‘Ninja Wizards’. A ballet and ballad combo gone awry will leave you doubled up in your seat or grimacing in horror, depending on your constitution. Other sections seem a bit long-winded and short on jokes - the activist juggler for instance and a slightly lack-lustre gag involving an engagement ring - meaning that the show lags slightly towards the end. However, the characters are so good that these lapses are completely forgivable. You will leave wanting to see more of Peter and Bambi - although there will be little left that they haven’t already shown you.
This raucous, puerile and surprisingly gruesome show is not for the faint-hearted but, as Bambi points out, “fear is only the recognition of possible harm” – so what have you got to worry about!
