Reviews

The Roaring Boys Will Set You Free

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17 August 2010

Underbelly, Cowgate
5-29 August, 17.40

The Roaring Boys Will Set You Free are going to blow up The One Show. Based on a simple premise of protest against this mindless drivel the boys begin by holding their shoes in the air as a sign of protest against BBC One’s flagship vessel. It is a seemingly random act that typifies this wonderfully original show.

Incorporating sketches with narrative, hilarious songs, audience interaction and a mimed traveling sequence (that garners a spontaneous round of applause) The Roaring Boys Will Set You Free is a new form of comedy and a lovely one at that.

Whilst defying categorisation this show does not lack focus with the central relationship between the charming Jonathan Donahoe and Daniel Benoliel gluing these disparate styles together forcefully. Jonny and Danny have an empathy that makes their cause and battles ours; by the end you will be raising your shoe in protest with them.

– Honour Bayes