Tom Roden and Pete Shenton are definitely the bendiest clowns in town.
They are both trained dancers and their show is about movement as much as gags. Luckily for comedy fans the movement is consistently funny as Roden and Shenton twist and turn their bodies in a series of skits that, contrary to their innocent protests, work on various levels, from the daft to the political.
This is a greatest hits set, but neat interactive visual tricks keep things fresh. The music, from Heaven 17 to Bonnie Tyler, is used effectively, as are the seamless costume changes, ranging from ludicrous leotards to dubious underwear in a minimalist sketch that is more Gilbert and George than Morecambe and Wise. They have a skilful way of building pieces so that meanings shift. A clicking routine evolves into a sport, an Aborigine chant morphs into a hilarious surprise.
Their verbal status games are the stuff of classic twosomes and they clearly have a great rapport.
They can be pretentious, but they can be exquisitely silly, too. Often simultaneously.
Niche humour perhaps, but if you are looking for the antidote to Michael McIntyre, bend an ear here.
Until 4 June ( 020 7478 0100, sohotheatre.com)
New Art Club
Soho Theatre
W1
