Jess Perkins & Naomi Higgins: Twins (MICF)

Jess Perkins and Naomi Higgins are relative juniors on the stand-up circuit, but the pair have achieved something that many before them have attempted to no avail. Their double headliner show, Twins, has managed to find the absolute perfection of a comedic axis: their sets are long enough to showcase their individual talents, but still scream for more from the duo respectively. Their styles, though radically different, are completely complementary without the transition being off-putting. The two have even pulled off the white whale of split-bill gigs: they have a genuinely funny opening sketch.

Perkins takes first duties tonight, and her sincere stage presence is a total crowd-pleaser. Perkins commands any stage she's on, as her RAW national final spot can attest, and tonight is no exception. Her sunny disposition is unashamedly contagious, slashing through the hilariously juvenile material she can deliver without obscenity. From call centre work to touring the country as a bona fide comedian, Perkins' set gives her audience a shot of smiley goodness as she works the crowd up for her stage partner.

Enter Higgins, and immediately it's apparent just how stylistically dissimilar these two talents are. Higgins uses her effervescent facade to deliver some of the most ridiculously dark material around - all with the bells and whistles of a veteran of the craft. Talking alcoholism, drugs, break-ups and long lost family, Higgins uses the unfortunate moments of her own life for the enjoyment of others, albeit with some excellent shock factor along the way.

While the time frame leaves little room for either Perkins or Higgins to delve into long form comedy or a perfectly rounded ending, Twins is a total triumph in the lesser-known offerings of the festival.

Jess Perkins & Naomi Higgins present Twins till 23 Apr at The Greek Centre, part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.