May & Alia Do Pirates! (Of Penzance)

It's hard to know what possessed Alia Vryens and May Jasper to adapt the 19th century Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Pirates of Penzance into a two person comedy performance, but by gee they made a good decision. Under the pretence that the rest of cast failed to front for the show, Vryens and Jasper decide to push on with only a few questionable props and the musical backing from a couple of carefully selected audience members. The duo are able to convey the story both through their takes on the shows' original tunes and by speaking frankly with the audience, pointing out the silliness of some of its plot points and its archaic portrayal of gender equality. The platform is a great way for the performers to show their comedic timing and versatile singing voices. Jasper triumphing over Vryens in singing the Major-General's introduction song with increasingly quickened pace is a highlight, as is Vryens' sultry take on the Pirate King. By the second act both actors have truly warmed up and some confusing interplay with a lamp, a ladle and eventually sock puppets is executed with rambunctious perfection. By the time the audience is asked to lend their voices for the climactic police and pirate battle there are none unwilling to help out the two stranded performers.

Running at Revolt Melbourne until Sunday 30 September