The scene is set by a pumping house tune with a countdown. On stage is a large structure covered with a sheet. As the lights go down, anticipation grows for this family comedy improvisation show, and Andrew Jones and Ciaran Murtagh jump onto the stage as Professor Bumm and Doctor Whee.
This is the second year that Jones and Murtagh have presented the Story Machine in Edinburgh to the delight of both kids and adults. When the crazy red machine is unveiled things dont go quite to plan. A malfunction means that Bumm and Whee are left to improvise stories themselves.
And what stories. A hilarious interaction with the audience produces the 6 words that form the basis of the 6 stories that follow. The first story about a leprechaun shipbuilder and his King has the audience in tears of laughter as Whee copes with a prop failure that sees the King lose his head. Overall, the improvisation is excellent, with Jones and Murtagh playing off each other perfectly, taking it in turns to tell the stories while the other roots around for suitable props.
This is a fast, furious hour of fun. Jones and Murtagh are energetic and engaging, dealing unpatronisingly with the children. The closing song sees the audience joining in singing Bumm Bumm, Whee Whee and to loud, well-deserved cheers.
