Identical twins Patrick and Hugo McPherson, known collectively as Pear, continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of sketch comedy. With their imposing 6ft 7in stature and unmistakable connection, they have carved out an impressive niche in the competitive arena of comedy, especially at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe. Their latest venture, Phobia, presented at the Soho Theatre, promises an engaging mix of chaos and laughter, building on the success of previous shows, such as But Braver.

The duo's comedic style thrives on subversion; while they embrace the quirky aspects of being twins—complete with playful banter about their lesser-known triplet Emmanuel, who struggles to join their act—they dig deeper into the dynamics of identity and expectation. Throughout Phobia, audience members witness them push boundaries, often stepping beyond conventional humour to explore deeper themes, all while keeping the atmosphere light-hearted and playful.

The show cleverly utilizes audience participation to amplify its satirical take on fear—an engaging premise ripe for exploration. One particularly amusing segment involves guests being handed props, such as maracas, that they can use during intense moments. This interaction fosters an atmosphere reminiscent of chaotic student comedy nights, where spontaneity reigns and delightfully unpredictable moments unfold on stage. One can see the twins playfully riffing off each other's energy, a physical comic synergy that is deeply rooted in their shared upbringing and long history of collaboration.

Critics note that while the sketches occasionally veer towards abstraction, they are held together by the twins' impeccable timing and physical comedy. An early sketch depicts a pair of German border security officers wielding comically tiny plastic hands, exemplifying their mastery of visual gags and slapstick. Other highlights include a parody involving a US president and a humorously over-familiar FBI agent, showcasing the twins' knack for merging absurdity with relatable scenarios.

Despite the occasional loose ends in sketch writing—where some scenes seem to finish abruptly or falter in clarity—this early run suggests a promising trajectory. As they prepare for their upcoming Edinburgh performances, expectations are high for the further development of their material. Their previous show, But Braver, received praise for its quickfire sketches and comic timing, reinforcing their reputation as a compelling and versatile act within the comedy circuit. With comparisons to iconic duos like Reeves and Mortimer, Pear’s ability to blend the surreal with the absurd is expected to resonate well as they continue to fine-tune their performances.

Overall, Pear's latest offering is described as a whirlwind experience, combining clever writing and exuberant physicality to deliver a comedic experience that rivals their best work. As they continue to evolve their comedic craft, Pear remains a notable force in sketch comedy, inviting audiences to explore the intersections of humour, identity, and shared experiences through the ever-amusing lens of twindom.

Reference Map

  1. [1] Lead article on Pear's Phobia performance at Soho Theatre.
  2. [2] Review of Pear's But Braver highlighting their timing and connection.
  3. [3] Chortle’s review noting the twins' dynamic and physical comedy.
  4. [4] Description of Pear’s performance style and audience impact at The Chalet.
  5. [5] British Comedy Guide's overview of Pear and their achievements.
  6. [6] Chortle’s listing highlighting previous successes and comedic style.
  7. [7] Review comparisons to iconic British comedy duos, discussing their engaging sketches.

Source: Noah Wire Services