Pluck @ Queens Theatre
7:00pm, Mon 27 Feb 2006
Score: 8
Pluck were the surprise hit of the Fringe in 2004, drawing in huge audiences wherever they performed… and rightly so. They were brash, confident, and funny. And they’re still all of those things – yes, the music is still wonderful; yes, their comedy elements are still wonderfully realised; yes, there’s still an element of drama present; but it seems something has been lost in the years since.
Opening behind a series of plants, their ability is amply demonstrated early; there’s plenty of tomfoolery in the performance, and the “tea break” in the middle of the set was pure cream-pie slapstick (Sian’s Atkin Diet joke aside). Their teasing of the front row was delightful; one lucky woman scored the chance to play violin (for the first time!) in front of 250 people, only to be subsequently stared down by Sian (“she likes you”, quipped Regan). Garrat again “leads” the trio – with the smouldering Sian barking disapproval – and he shares a hilarious three-instrument duet with Regan. Sian’s convertible dress is a hoot, and the Tchaikovsky closer, complete with “fireworks” and “cannons”, is pretty bloody funny too.
Sian also sings. A lot. And her voice matches her glorious eyes :)
Maybe it’s because I knew what to expect this time; but something inside me says it was the lack of mystery. My most cherished memories of their 2004 show (“Musical Arson”) were of the trio’s eyes; this year, the subtlety has been dropped in favour of a more brash (and physical) form of theatrics. And I can’t remember Sian even opening her mouth in 2004; I can’t help but think that her vocal input (whilst sterling in its quality) has diminished the intrigue.
It’s even more bizarre that “The Specialists” is directed by Cal McCrystal, also responsible for the wonderful Bubonic Play. Still, Pluck are highly recommended – especially if you’ve not experienced them before.