James and Jamesy @ Gilded Balloon
Double act James and Jamesy present a tea party-inspired show elevated by its audience
James, the first half of this duo, emerges showcasing some exaggerated balletic movements, facial expressions and exhalations to the sound of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as he prepares for a tea party. It’s a long, slightly awkward sequence and there’s a sense of too little said and done plot-wise to patiently follow. It's like Lewis Carroll’s Mad Hatter is lost in a panto version of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
It is not until the second of the pair, Jamesy, arrives to meet for the tea party that a pleasingly original narrative begins and will later directly involve the audience. However, despite the story's promise it does fail to stand on the merits of its characters and characterisation alone. Ultimately, it is the audience participation – and the bloopers which arise naturally from it – that prevents the hour from flat-lining, although a mime segment where Jamesy battles a rain storm with an umbrella is a highlight. However, despite a few flaws, 2 for Tea does showcase the pair's skills and the story holds an imaginative and adorable message about love and friendship.
James & Jamesy: 2 for Tea, Gilded Balloon, Teviot (Billiard Room), until 27 Aug, 6.15pm, £9-11