★★★★
Elf and Duffy: Heist is a fun, fast-paced frenzy of mime, BSL, and plenty of sound effects. The blurb for the show states that “Duffy and Elf are friends. Duffy signs, Elf doesn’t. Elf speaks, Duffy doesn’t. Let’s see how this works out…” And, yes, it works out very well indeed!
The show is one of the best examples of integrated accessibility that I’ve ever seen. Both deaf and hearing members of the audience were able to access and enjoy the show equally – which is how all theatre should be.
The blend of visual and audio storytelling worked really well, offering up lots of laughs, as well as highlighting the hearing world’s ignorance – and arrogance.
“Hello deaf person, I can sign a little bit,” said Elf’s character, in a toe-curlingly recognisable scenario, before proceeding to sign the words “guinea pig”, “alien” and “hippopotamus”.
Both were incredibly strong performers, embodying various different situations and skits with great physicality, and they had great chemistry with each other. A mention must go to BSL interpreter, Ciaran, too, who provided voice and BSL sections throughout the show.
In the midst of the frenetic energy, it would have been nice to have seen a few contrasting moments, perhaps a touch of genuine seriousness or pathos to expand the personal narrative further.
A frantic, funny race through Murder City. I would definitely recommend this show as a chance to see how integrated accessibility is not just possible but full of creative and fun possibilities.
Elf and Duffy: Heist is on at Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron) till August 15th.
Review by Laura Crow
