Croft & Pearce Do it Like a Lady

The graceful, wordless conclusion of Hannah Croft and Fiona Pearce's show is wholly in keeping with the preceding 50 minutes. It's inoffensive, suited to the early afternoon time slot and carried by the duo's eminent likeability. The majority of the audience smile, but few actually laugh. Ultimately, it's a bit too gentle.

From the very first sketch in which the overuse of social media is parodied, it's clear that the performers aren't going to break any new ground, but rather put on a slick show informed by no discernibly strong opinion or world view. We are introduced to women at both ends of the sexual satisfaction spectrum, a self-absorbed actress and an irresponsibly liberal parent. All are well-observed but none say or do anything to surprise. They exist not so much as characters, but ideas that are abandoned once the laughs diminish. The sketches rarely have strong pay-offs and punchlines often seem wearily inevitable.

The strongest piece revolves around a competitive Brownie teacher and benefits from taking a sudden and unexpected turn down darker comic territory, in which there is something actually at stake for the characters. Another recurring highlight charmingly subverts the notion of lecherous teachers preying on pupils with great sensitivity. It is during these moments that the drama school graduates seem truly in control of their show and demonstrate legitimate star potential. If only they'd shy away from crass generalizations about Thailand and male Dusty Springfield fans.

http://www.croftandpearce.com