Frisky and Mannish- Pop Centre Plus

Article by Lewis Porteous | 19 Aug 2011

Having received near-unanimous praise from the press, already clocking up a string of five star reviews this Fringe, Frisky and Mannish are entitled to a degree of arrogance, but Pop Centre Plus marks the point at which the duo run the risk of being consumed by their own phenomenon.

If participating in a communal 'Macarena' dance is your idea of fun, then you fall into Pop Centre Plus' target audience. If, however, you recognise that most mainstream pop is so calculated and self aware as to be beyond parody, then what is left to hold your attention? Ultimately, just camp spectacle.

The pair's high energy dance routines are admittedly brilliant and there's no denying their natural stage presence; Laura Corcoran in particular is unforgettably unhinged. Musically their talent is obvious, but is squandered on yet more renditions of familiar songs in styles that you would not associate with them. Impressive but formulaic, Frisky and Mannish are as lacking in substance as Cher Lloyd's 'Swagger Jagger'.

Frisky and Mannish: Pop Centre Plus, Udderbelly until 28 Aug (not 22nd) £14/12