Review: Pecking Order, Underbelly

It’s always nice to watch a show and think “what the F?” That’s of course always possible because the show you’ve just witnessed was an utter mess, with no meaning, or, as thankfully is the case with Double Edge Drama‘s Pecking Order, it’s more because, as much as you might occasionally shake your head in complete bewilderment, the chaos and weirdness is highly entertaining. 

The weirdness comes from the very start as the five-strong cast (Teddy Manders, Ed Abel Smith, Arthur Tudgey, Alfie Miles and Joseph Wang) sashay onto the stage, dressed in various forms of black, each in a bowler hat. Initially, the movement is perhaps the most impressive element of it all, the five nicely in sync as they dance around one another. Then, suddenly, as they all discard their bowlers, the scenes begin.

This is a madcap collection of seemingly random clips, each loosely connected by being in some form of waiting room (thankfully, there is no suggestion this is some form of afterlife or purgatory – think we’ve had enough of those). Within the waiting room, a rather odd collection of characters, from fellow waitee’s to miserable receptionists and even a couple of robbers. And at the centre of each scene, for at least one of those waiting for whatever they are there for (it appears none of them ever really seem to know), it becomes apparent they are being rather ignored or put upon by those around them.

Scenes come and go at rapid speed, punctuated by more of that beautiful movement, accompanied by well-considered light and sound. Each ends as the remaining hat is replaced on another head, signifying that person as the next to be hassled or ignored by those around him. As madcap as the scenes are, these interludes, for the most part, are the complete opposite, calming and wonderfully synchronised. It’s needed, as at times the actual scenes themselves become rather too frantic, descending into a chaos that is clearly organised but nonetheless slightly too overwhelming in places. 

As the show progresses, other threads become noticeable, repeating characters, repeating themes. But without anything other than accents to differentiate each, things aren’t always as clear as they might be. Then again, with no real through-thread of a story, perhaps it doesn’t really matter that much?

The five performers really are impressive, both in their character performances and the interludes. They may not be 100% on point as they dance gracefully around one another, but this isn’t the Royal Ballet. It’s a piece of madcap comedy, so that is perfectly forgivable. 

Pecking Order certainly demonstrates the strengths of its performers, and you can easily imagine each appearing on stage in some crazy comedy in the future. At just 40 minutes long, it’s about the right length where you don’t start to fidget and wish it would all be over. Maybe a little more focus would do wonders, but as it is, it’s still a fun start to another full day in Edinburgh.

Created and performed by Double Edge Drama

Pecking Order has completed its run at Underbelly for EdFringe