Introduction to Pear
All comedians need an identifier, a visual hint that helps the audience remember them and hopefully recommend their show to others. Few have it better than Patrick and Hugo McPherson, alias Pear. As identical twins standing at 6 feet 7 inches, they are hard to miss, especially when it comes to sketch comedy.
Their Unique Comedy Style
While their twin status offers a great slogan and plenty of gags about how they met at university and their triplet Emmanuel repeatedly fails his audition to join their act, Pear gets most of their fun from subverting the expectations that come with being twins. Their comedy often involves getting very close and personal with each other, even going so far as to play lovers. The brothers clearly enjoy the fact that the audience finds these subversive moments even more humorous because of their shared DNA.
The Show "Phobia"
Staples of the Edinburgh Fringe, Pear are back at the Soho Theater with "Phobia", a wild, carefree hour of sketch comedy and silliness. The premise, used loosely, is that Pear has had enough of trivial sketch comedy and wants to tackle more substantial work. So, they decide to start small by trying to end fear once and for all. They explain to their Soho Theater ancestors, "This is what ‘Fleabag’ did for women. That’s what ‘Baby Reindeer’ did for… pubs?"
Interactive Comedy
The "Phobia" act is the perfect catalyst for the type of improvised interaction moments that feel the most natural. An audience member receives a party popper early on, which goes off at a pivotal moment in the show, adding to the chaos. Another audience member receives a pair of maracas, and revisites fly through the air, contributing to the chaotic comedy night environment. The audience howls with laughter as the twins’ energy becomes infectious.
Sketch Highlights
The tangential link to fear hardly extends to the sketches, which are hardly the point. The strongest work comes when Patrick and Hugo play a number of German border security officers with tiny plastic hands protruding from their sleeves. While the duo uses each other with the tiny plastic hands, revealing a tiny plastic gun, it’s an exhibition of exactly the kind of physical comedy they excel at. A sketch between the US President and his over-caffeinated FBI agent is another highlight, as is a short sketch where the couple holds their necks stiffly and dances to the InjuryLawyers4U disco.
Room for Improvement
Sometimes, the focus is on the rough use of props, and solid indications that the sketch itself takes a back seat. The ideas are there, but they need to be packaged and fine-tuned in front of an audience. Many of the sketches almost stop at the center of the scene; if it weren’t for the power failures that each vignette ends with, I’m not sure when I should clap or laugh. However, with time, the show will likely tighten up. If it makes it to Edinburgh this August, it will surely be a hit.
Show Details
Pear’s "Phobia" is at the Soho Theater until June 3. Tickets are available online, making it easy for fans of sketch comedy to catch this dynamic duo in action. With their unique blend of physical comedy, clever writing, and infectious energy, Pear is a must-see for anyone looking for a hilarious night out.
