The Silky Pair

A few sketches hit the mark, but feels cobbled together
Female duo The Silky Pair sells sketches and songs from their comedy shop. Punters have the chance to buy complete routines including outfits and hand gestures. It's a conceptual comedy cliché that's as old as The Two Ronnies but that doesn't mean it can't be made to work.
The Silky Pair are engaging performers: strong on absurdism, broad comedy and silly songs. There is, however, an essential narrative dilemma here that impacts on the comedy. The shop is supposed to be struggling because their product is so weak they can't sell their wares. That product is what makes up the show and its not difficult to see why they are going out of business. At best the routines are weak, a few hit the right mark but curtail off badly, the songs lack bite and the general air is one of being cobbled together. It's a shame because there is no doubt these performers are willing and capable. There is also a special guests slot and on this occasion it was Bob and Jim, who were very good.
The Caves, 556 5375, until 26 Aug (not 14), £6 (£5).