This is a terrible show… intentionally. The Duncan Brothers are not afraid to telegraph just how little they care for slick production values; from props launched scattergram about the stage to actors getting changed in plainly visible positions, The Duncan Brothers rip up every rule of how to make a good stage play, but, undeniably, they have something. While the intentionally so-bad-that-it’s-good trope is terrifically played out, they manage to carve out some new territory for themselves in just stupid they can make their writing and characters; and it takes a sharp mind to play the fool convincingly.
After you are introduced to a parody-laced and hilariously ludicrous fantasy backstory, you follow a feckless, insipid pair of brothers (and all of their companions) as they flounder their way through a sprawling tale of ancient blood feuds, alien races, galactical migrations, magical swords and evil masterminds. This may sound quite epic, but the fact that it’s played out by one of the dumbest casts of characters ever put to the stage creates a delightful juxtaposition. They also require a certain level of playing along from the audience, as you’re asked to play multiple roles in their tale.
The schtick does wear thin as you discover that there perhaps isn’t much more to the show than intentional line-forgetting stupidity and ridiculous gags, and the anachronistic gags involving doctors and mobile phones feel contrived and drawn out. However, if you are willing to follow their lead, The Duncan Brothers can delight with their absurdity. And it’s all to raise awareness for hemochromatosis, which is a fantastic cause.
The Duncan Brothers: Blood Sword, 21.30, Underbelly, until August 25
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/duncan-brothers-blood-sword
