Frisky and Mannish – The College Years (Tour – Salford)

Lady Felicity Fitz-Frisky and Hansel Amadeus Mannish educate the masses about pop music with Collision Theory. Structured as a lecture their analysis of style combinations illustrates the inherent bitchiness of duets.
 
The duo are merciless, showing how a change of tempo alters the meaning of  songs  punctures the pretensions of Radiohead. The lyrics of Alanis Morissette are used as an example of why songs should not be written under the influence and a deconstruction  of Florence and the Machine reveals her mundane inspirations.

The humour is not limited to verbal and includes a terrific slapstick routine of Lady Gaga trying to learn formal dance instead of her usual robotic movements.

There are inspired moments too; Noel Coward’s “Been to a Marvellous Party” becomes jaded when performed in the emotionless style of Lily Allen and the Pussycat Dolls make a great bawdy music hall act.

The concept of two toffs slumming would be a comedy of embarrassment if the duo were not musically talented. Mannish plays excellent keyboards and Frisky provides vocals and charisma. More importantly they secure such a level of audience participation that a good time is guaranteed.

However, as the title of the show is The College Years,  perhaps the duo need to turn their attention away from pure pop to more adult-oriented acts. Coldplay, U2 and REM are ripe for parody and would make an excellent show, perfect.
 
– Dave Cunningham

(Reviewed at The Lowry)