Different Party displays the excellence of Trygve Wakenshaw and Barnie Duncan’s physical comedy through the medium of the typical 9-5.
At Ruck’s Leather Interiors (which is also the name of their production company), the office job is anything but dull. Terrible coffee, briefcases that act like dogs, paper tornadoes, and more steep into the daily life of the workers making every minute a new adventure.
The dialogue is replaced with countless manoeuvres and expressions that enchant and bewilder, only to be truly appreciated by never taking your eyes from it. The two men gallivant and gallop over their space in their office, making it seem as if they float and fumble simultaneously.
It truly is mesmerising, never knowing what is to come next or what slow dance song and longing look they are going to share with each other and the audience. Pens and papers go flying at random, but laughs are heard consistently.
One of the first components of the show that made me realise it would be incredible was the business cards being handed out by a man in a suit that looked like it was tailored for the other guy. It proved comedy can be more than a movement or a quick quip, but something small and intricate in the details that make the simple act of costume design so important to the production of a show.
It was for many spectators but performed intimately – like you were a part of their show as the audience, that they fed off although they had rehearsed it countless times before. Wakenshaw and Duncan’s chemistry is palpable from the last row of the theatre.
Being best pals, their show demonstrates the camaraderie of office life and the loyalty to each other in their personal lives. Both allow you a glimpse into their talents, best brought out by each other.
Different Party is running until 17 August at Studio Two at Assembly George Square.
Buy tickets here.
Image courtesy of Sarah Walker, provided to The Student to use as press material.