Words: George Young

4 stars

There’s a special kind of magic in improv when it truly works. In Graham and Steen, it absolutely does. This seasoned duo delivers an hour of silly, delightfully unhinged comedy that feels as fleeting as it is unforgettable. They are staples in the improv comedy scene in their own right; but this is their first time doing this together. Long may it continue.

From the moment they step on stage, Graham and Steen prove themselves to be masters of multi-rolling, conjuring entire worlds with nothing more than a nod, a stance, and a perfectly placed call-back. Their ability to shift characters mid-scene with total clarity (often with characters on stage than improvisers to play them) is a testament to their experience and chemistry. Aided by a supremely talented pianist: far more than mere accompaniment, the show finds an extra gear, with musical underscoring that deftly supports both story and punchline.

The show is a bubble: ephemeral, silly, and joyous. Once it’s gone, it’s gone and only those lucky enough to be in the room know just how gloriously weird things got. In our case, we met a King unsure of how to rule, looking to reconnect with his bat-loving brother and a his cheating Queen with three pyramid shaped breasts. An impeccable improvised handshake routine, a monarch without the ability to bend his knees, and the inspirational start behind it all – the blue velour poof, the exact shade of Steen Raskopoulos’ eyes.

This is comedy in its purest, most playful form. Graham and Steen offer a warm, riotous hour that reminds you what improv can be at its best: intimate, ridiculous, and very, very funny.

Graham and Steen
Upstairs, Pleasance Courtyard,
16.20
4th – 10th August