I’m not usually a huge fan of live kid’s shows. To be fair I’m not really their demographic, I’m not a kid and I don’t have kids, however Bec and Tom’s Awesome Laundry is thoroughly enjoyable.
Bec Hill and Tom Goodliffe are a natural comedy duo. Their effortless interaction as they play off each other’s differences in personality and appearance is classic and entertaining.
Tom is the perfect ‘straight man’ in the pair though equally equipped with numerous lobster facts and pants. His sensible and ‘grown-up’ persona is an ideal spring board for Bec’s childish but fun shenanigans.
Bec is energetic and silly but not in that aggressively happy way that many children’s entertainers have. She doesn’t have that forced enthusiasm and obliviousness that makes anyone over the age of 9 slightly tired and grumpy watching them. You don’t get a sense that these comics, who are both brilliant on their own on the UK club circuit, have dumbed-down their material for kids.
There is an impressive variety of mediums that didn’t overwhelm the show’s narrative at all. It’s filled with great gags and puns, the ‘Snotsman’ newspaper was a particular favourite of mine. There are also characters, some dancing and Bec’s moving poster drawings which add a unique touch to the show’s story. This is definitely the best ratio of bum jokes to useable life skills of any show on the fringe.
The ending is quite sweet and brings everything together nicely. There are a few ‘aww’ inspiring moments even childless adults could relate too.
Most importantly though, the kids in the audience absolutely loved it. There were even a few who had come back to see it a second time although there was one young child who was in tears for not being picked to help Bec sort the laundry. I think she will probably get over it in time.
5 stars
Bec and Tom’s Awesome Laundry is on from now until the 13th August (only 5 more days!) at the Gilded Ballon at 11:00am
Buy tickets HERE
Review by Danica Priest
