Jane Bond (tour)

Comedy duo Lipservice set their sights on the world’s most famous secret agent with their latest spoof. But, this time Bond is blonde and dangerous. Step forward, Bond, Jane Bond.

The plot could be written on the back of one of M’s stamps but here goes … Jane is a super-mum by day and top super-spy by night. Her enemy Blowdry is out to rule the world with the help of his pet rabbit, Bunny Galore. Will Bond make her daughter’s violin recital, save the world and still have time to get to Tesco’s to do the weekly shop? Of course she will – they’re open later these days!

The wonderful thing about this hilarious comedy duo is their formula for laughter. They not only send up their target, but they also include observant, homely humour in the style of Victoria Wood. One scene is lovingly ripped off from the new Casino Royale – our heroine’s heart stops beating, but instead of resuscitation care of a Bond-esque gadget, she’s bought back to life with an iron. “Press starch!” shouts M as the audience roars with laughter.

Maggie Fox is a complete hoot and as reliable as ever, but she truly excels herself with this zany character in a rubber cat-suit. She even has her own stunt double in the form of the athletic Martin Tucker who dons a blonde wig every five minutes, somersaulting across the stage. Sue Ryding matches Maggie with her multitude of characters and costume changes. In particular her evil villain, Blowdry, and her poor man’s Moneypenny, Cashman, are delightfully dotty.

This popular duo have been performing together since 1985, but their act is not stale or jaded. In fact, judging by their energy in this high-spirited production, they are both cooking on gas mark five! The affection in which they send up their subject matter keeps you coming back for more. When Bond needs an antidote for some killer lipstick to save Cashman, the magic word is Calpol – reducing Bond to a stressed out mum, providing instant appeal to the audience.

Ad-libbing and pulling faces at members of the audience, these two are having a ball and it’s completely infectious. On the night I attended, the audience was in raptures. It’s no surprise really as Jane Bond is a pure delight; double-0 ‘Comedy’ Heaven.

– Glenn Meads (reviewed at Manchester’s Library Theatre)