Thursday, 14 August 2014

Edinburgh Review: Keeping Up with the Joans at the Pleasance Courtyard



Keeping Up with the Joans
Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
14:30 / 1hr 30mins
Reviewed on Sunday 3rd August 2014
★★★

Described as a "bittersweet comedy about failing memory, friendship and mimicking martyrs", Keeping Up with the Joans is a warm and gently endearing play by Philip Meeks.  Susan Penhaligon and Katy Manning star as retired rival amateur theatricals. Insults are exchanged as secrets are explored, all much to the delight of their care worker.

Keeping Up with the Joans features some beautiful moments. Penhaligon and Manning are a dream to watch onstage, their chemistry is superb and both perform with a twinkle in their eye. The play is sweet but sometimes lacks excitement, perhaps a shorter running time would prove beneficial. 

It was lovely to see something so simple and different at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The production features a nice design and strong performances.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Keeping Up with the Joans runs at the Pleasance Courtyard until Sunday 24th August 2014. Click here for further information and tickets. 

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