DYKE Systems Ltd @ Pleasance Courtyard
Razor-sharp cabaret duo Fag Packet captivate in a hysterically funny satire of pinkwashing, capitalist greed and corporate absurdity
Donning 80s neon power suits and a heavy dose of ‘can-do’ attitude, Susan and Sally of DYKE Systems Ltd are here to take you on a wonderfully absurd journey to unlock your inner female-empowered entrepreneur. Seeped in satire and dripping with homoeroticism, Fag Packet – Khesi Kobler and Holly Wilson-Guy – have created a show that is destined for Fringe fame.
Set in a glittering, pastel, 1950s-esque seminar room and directed by Lucy Allan, the show immerses the audience in Susan and Sally’s world of capitalist jargon and garish glamour, and they mean serious business. You are captivated by Kobler and Wilson-Guy’s infectious energy and charisma, watching in awe as they motivate the audience to not only transform their mindset, but to push their nondescript, definitely-not-a-pyramid-scheme product in the most comically roundabout and mesmerising way.
The dynamic duo set up the perfect queer subtext with Kobler’s feminine, straight-passing Susan taking the lead and Wilson-Guy’s hiking boot and pixie mullet-clad Sally pining for her approval – a comedy goldmine which they plunder with pitch-perfect precision. What’s more, the 1950s-style jingles that accompany their seminar send the audience even deeper into their surrealist world of corporate absurdism. The overall structure and plot is simple and highly effective: Fag Packet’s razor-sharp writing and riveting delivery doesn’t need frills. Satire on capitalism can easily fall into exaggeration and farce, but Kobler and Wilson-Guy are so comfortable on stage and deep in character, they are unshakeable.
The show is as visually captivating as it is hysterically funny: the bright colours, gaudy costumes and LED lighting dazzle, and perfectly match the show’s bold and playful spirit. The duo’s sharp physicality is incredible to watch, providing gag after gag and creating such rich caricatures that the mundane world around us seems to melt away, much to the credit of Allan’s directing. As the show progresses, so does the absurdism. A particular highlight is Susan and Sally’s retelling of their origin story: a flashback to a dirty saloon bar where Sally is discovered as a butch, salt of the earth barkeep.
Bursting at the seams with brilliant queer references, capitalist critique and satirical ‘pink feminism’, DYKE Systems Ltd is as intelligent as it is hilarious. Masterfully blending simplicity with a script brimming with rapid-fire comedy, the hour flies by and you wish for it to never end. Paired with Allan’s skilful direction, Kobler and Wilson-Guy’s astounding performances make this an absolute must-see at the Fringe this year. Don’t miss your chance to become a Dynamic, Young, Knowledgeable Entrepreneur.
DYKE Systems Ltd, Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), until 25 Aug, 3pm, £12-13