In this show, saying “yes” is funny. A toilet brush is funny. Double beds are funny. The Kransky Sisters’ impeccable delivery and perfect comic timing get laughs from the most unexpected places, in what proves a hilarious hour of sit-down comedy.
You might have seen the spinster sisters from Esk in Queensland on the television, but don’t expect any of that high-tech nonsense here. It’s all about the wireless, bicarbonate of soda and cod-liver oil. But their straight-laced personas allow them to get away with some gags that are just a little bit wrong. From taxidermy to egg farming and birthmarks, the sisters cover some unusual material that goes much further than traditional observational humour. The story of their recent trip to Europe structures the show nicely, and provides a springboard into their trademark deadpan versions of pop tunes. Their operatic vowels, impeccable diction and staccato rhythms, combined with obscure instruments, make songs like ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ endlessly funny.
When some comics speak for too long without making a joke, the audience can get restless. But the Kransky Sisters have the audience enthralled, craning their necks to see what happens next in quiet parts of the show. This allows them to build suspense, and gives their punch lines some extra zest.
Mourne and Eve Kransky spend much of the evening blaming their half-sister Dawn for anything and everything. She plays an excellent part, looking hurt and resentful, only to shine at a couple of moments in the show. It would be great for her to take on an even bigger role, however, as a lot of comic potential in this situation lies untapped.
Just when you think the show’s almost over, time for some audience participation. This can be hard to do well, but a clever routine delighted the audience, and when the sisters got just a little more than they bargained for, they played it up with some spot-on improvisation.
The Kransky Sisters tick all the boxes: quirky, talented, hilarious. They blur the boundaries between theatre, stand-up and musical comedy with ease, poise and plenty of laughs. If there are still tickets left, you should probably buy one now.
For more info and booking details go The Kransky Sisters – Three Bags Full