Writers: Anna Leong Brophy and Emily Lloyd-Saini
They are absolutely fine, Egg wants you to know from the start of their hour of sketch comedy, mostly about the ins and outs of their years of friendship. Egg are Anna Leong Brophy and Emily Lloyd-Saini, and though it’s been five years since their last Fringe (2018), they’re finding their way back together.
The show catalogs some of the biggest milestones each experienced in the last half-decade: Brophy, a Netflix show (Shadow and Bone) and the end of a relationship, Lloyd-Saini, the birth of a child and the absolute obliteration of her sleep schedule. Their friendship, unsurprisingly, suffered during this period.
At the core of this production is the chemistry between this duo, and their obvious affection for each other. The sketches are generally brief and, as for actual stage time, comprise probably about half of the run, with framing banter and moments of self-aware crowd work interspersed between.
Some characters are more memorable than others, Auntie Pam in particular, but the most memorable appearance is the compelling dynamic at play. And, Lloyd-Saini’s perfect voice-over actor delivery. This seems to be by design, however, as the repeated motif they share is ‘keep it light,’ though their stories touch on topics that are anything but.
It’s a fluffier hour at first glance, dog ears and all, but something more substantial simmers just beneath the surface. Issues of career, family, and individuality are explored independently and as a unit; the show can occasionally lean to the saccharine in its earnestness.
Still, the laughs are consistent and well-earned and the writing is solidly structured. Egg puns, of course, abound. The nail-biting payoff at the end had every audience member leaning forward in their seats.
Runs until 27 August 2023 |
