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A playful and improvised cabaret where audience participation fuels the witty charm of Matthew Nicholson and Katie Tranter.Summary
Rating
Good
Peasoup is a largely improvised piece from the creative minds of Matthew Nicholson and Katie Tranter. It is meant to be a cabaret night but for a variety of reasons only Nicholson and Tranter have turned up, so it is now up to the audience to help. It is now A Spontaneous Cabaret!
This is the massive risk of improv work, it’s only as good as the audience you have and initially this audience was a little subdued. Our comedy duo begin by asking an audience member to introduce them, with Nicholson seemingly typing up the script for this as we arrive.
As the volunteer begins reading, they are stopped, and clearer direction is given. Thankfully the audience member rolls with this with great aplomb. and the rest of the audience relaxes a little. I do wonder if the audience needed further warming up; this may have made things a little easier. An additional factor is that the audience is international – American, French and German voices could be heard. Nicholson and Tranter work with this and do build a good rapport in the end, even getting volunteers on stage as the final act, but there are times when this wavered.
Nicholson and Tranter are a very likeable partnership, they have good chemistry and are both talented performers, musicians and singers. The improvised songs have good structure, using the interactions with the audience and their own vocalised train of thought. There is a wholesomeness (their word) and cuteness to the performances, and it works with their personalities. Sometimes I think that comedians feel they need to be edgy and adult-themed in their performances to engage an audience; however, I think this show has the potential to draw a family crowd.
It is a work-in-progress piece, but I think the overall structure is a good one. I especially enjoyed the “dressing room” moments. This is when they step upstage, the lighting changes, and they talk to each other about what has just occurred on stage as if the audience aren’t there. This part has huge potential to give direction to the audience without it feeling awkward. It helps us get to know Nicholson and Tranter a little deeper, allowing them to vocalise their thoughts and concerns with good humour. More of these moments could propel the show further forward.
While there are moments of uncertainty and a few rough edges, the charm and potential of Nicholson and Tranter’s act is undeniable. With more polishing and perhaps a little more attention to engaging the audience from the start, this show could become a delightful staple. Their wholesome and genuine approach to comedy sets them apart, and I look forward to seeing how this promising and talented duo evolves in future performances.
Created and Performed by: Matthew Nicholson & Katie Tranter
Produced by: Katie Tranter
Sound & Lighting by: Iestyn Evans
Developed with the support of: Bureau of Silly Ideas, G&B Comedy & Extreme Improv
Peasoup has completed its run at this year’s Camden Fringe.
