David Farnor | On 15, Apr 2020

Anyone who’s seen a Nationwide advert in the last few years is probably already familiar with Flo an Joan, a duo who tickled the ivories for the building society over the Christmas period in 2018. If you think that’s the extent of their musical stylings, though, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Sisters Nicola and Rosie Dempsey are a deceptively diverse pair, finding invention in their songwriting even though they largely stay in the same positions on stage. Their tricksy, witty ditties soon wrap you up in their deceptively intricate rhymes and enjoyably offbeat off-beats.

There are easy targets in their choice of subjects, from binge-drinking to Daily Mail readers, but there’s an enjoyably deadpan quality to their performance – complete with egg shaker – that’s all their own. The pair are driven by a charming combination of cynicism and rhyming, which really sparks to life when tackling the topics they’re most annoyed about, whether that’s Doritos crisps for women or propositions received on social media. Some amusing interactions with the audience intersperse the music, but they’re at their best when performing their naturally funny songs and enjoying the chance to show what they can do.

Part of Amazon’s new line-up of original stand-up specials from British comedians, Alive on Stage is a deserved platform for a promising homegrown double-act.

Flo and Joan: Alive on Stage is available to watch online on Amazon Prime Video as part of a Prime membership or a £5.99 monthly subscription.

 

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