Elf and Duffy: Heist @ Monkey Barrel
Elf Lyons and Duffy steal audience hearts in an inventive and absurd comedy told through physical comedy, foley, and British Sign Language
"Duffy signs, Elf doesn’t. Elf speaks, Duffy doesn’t." A well-crafted mix of British Sign Language, vocal sound effects, and physical comedy come together to create an absurd and hilarious show of two friends attempting a heist. Both Elf Lyons and Duffy have great comedic skills singularly, but combined, the two become the perfect comedy duo in this unique format.
The plot line is bizarre, created from different, random, signs that Elf states were their favourite signs in level one. But this nonsensical plot only adds to the show’s charm. It is fun, it is silly, it is hysterical – and it never takes itself too seriously. From bank heists to murdering guinea pigs to evil alien nonces, it is truly an absurd and inventive comedy. This hilarity is only increased as both Elf and Duffy occasionally interject, make comments about the show, or laugh at their own ludicrous storylines and improvised bits.
As Duffy delivers sections of the show through British Sign Language and movement, impeccably expressing the tone and wacky setting of the story, Elf provides the sound effects. This accompaniment of sounds, which are often so ridiculous it’s hard to believe they are coming from a human mouth, provides that extra bit of hilarity that highlights how well these two come together.
Elf and Duffy are a combination like no other. The way in which they work together and bounce off of one another is the true magic of this show, making the duo increasingly enjoyable to watch. Both Elf and Duffy’s individual comedic skills have creatively combined and created a unique, inventive, expressive, and certainly absurd piece of comedy unlike any I have seen before.
Elf and Duffy: Heist, Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron), until 15 Aug, 8.40pm, £10