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Exceptionally current and exceedingly charming, the dynamic duo known as Shelf pull apart fallacies around gender non-conformity. From tackling gender-critical feminists who are preoccupied with public toilets to homophobic aunts, best friends Ruby and Rachel have transformed pain and turned it into comedy. 

Their onstage personas offset each other well; while Ruby has walked a tightrope of heterosexual conformity for most of her life, Rachel (who refers to herself as ‘the gay messiah’) was born into a household where free love is order of the day. To convey this dichotomy, sometimes they clumsily employ a pseudo-scientific metaphor about control groups and variables. Their argument is more effectively illustrated through Ruby’s candid songs and biting lyrics, while Rachel showcases her questionable yet hilarious dance moves (it’s a shame the songs aren’t longer).

Through the simple symbol of a haircut, Shelf aim to destabilise stereotypes around masculine and feminine presentations. Given the importance of hair as a theme, it would have been interesting to see how it could figure more boldly throughout the performance. Despite this, Shelf make for warm company which helps the crowd navigate complex and important subject matter. 

Pleasance Courtyard, until 28 August, 7.15pm.