Brimming with originality and presenting a confidently executed show, Revan and Fennell are a double act that have the potential to succeed the comedy throne of French & Saunders.
They find comedy in the juxtaposition of incongruous subjects and have the knack of writing a script that exposes it.
The material is astute, contemporary and culturally-savvy. Austerity at a production of The Lion King; geezers discussing quantum theory in the pub; a middle-class woman going on the game to pay for a conservatory; a backing singer stealing the limelight. These are just some of the ideas Revan and Fennell explore with shrewd characterisation and perfect timing. Not once does any of their sketches feel like it's outstayed its welcome; each is just as sharp and funny as the one before.
Most of the humour will appeal to a smarter crowd. They find comedy in the juxtaposition of incongruous subjects and have the knack of writing a script that exposes it. The final ingredient in their heady cocktail is the persuasive delivery, which – whether they be lampooning Julie Taymor’s big-budget direction or satirising Film Noir – makes no excuses as it provides belly-laugh after belly-laugh.
Rosie Revan has been to the Festival before, she tells us, with her own play Snarl-Up back in 2009. That showed promise, but it’s in sketch comedy that Revan’s talents really shine. Alice Fennell often plays Revan’s stooge, but exhibits the mettle to take the lead when required. The pair, who met at East 15 Acting School, have an on-stage chemistry that fizzes just as brightly as the intelligent humour they tackle.
Save the best for last, as they say, and for me seeing Revan and Fennell: Fan Club on the final day of the festival was a joyous conclusion to my Fringe.
