Here at last is a show which every people pleaser in the world can relate to: even those with only mild people pleasing tendencies. Walking on with swagger and attitude, meet Paul and Laura in leather looking jackets, who are tired of being nice, and have decided not to care anymore what people think of them. Laura, whose act of rebellion is to not put a supermarket item back on the shelf exactly where she found it, and Paul, whose act of going against what’s expected amounts to a nod to someone in the street instead of stopping for a conversation when he was on a medical errand for his sister.
These two site with confidence their previous shows that were lauded for being lovely, yet they are failing to secure that elusive five star review. They have therefore undertaken research which concludes they are not cool. They don’t know how to be cool. They have searched their world for cool, sexy and edgy, to create a cool sexy and edgy show. They scour the audience for that elusive and famous reviewer Ashley, who has promised to come and review. They spy someone who isn’t laughing very much, and convinced that they have found their mark, ply her with drinks and reimbursement by cash (when card and bank transfer don’t work) for the drinks she has already bought.
This is a highly unusual show with an unusual non-linear narrative, making any description of it sound potentially chaotic and unnerving, neither being true. It’s a very tricky job as actors to portray characters that are so multi-layered that they first appear confident and full of bravado, but scratching the surface they are afraid of letting everyone down, and more and more layers peel away from them until we are left with their true selves which they bear to us with honesty, integrity and pathos. They hold the stage, and each and every audience member, with such care and gentleness – even when trying to say that they don’t care what anyone thinks of them.
A multimedia mix accompanies the show including liberal use of incredibly funny presentations on screen, songs and dancing. The presentation and research into what is cool, sexy and edgy is absolutely hilarious. Their advice is that standing, leaning against a wall with one leg up, like a flamingo, will make you look cool; as they demonstrate. Their ability to hold the audience is second to none – we watch them apply a fake tattoo on stage, with no words spoken: everyone on the edge of their seats. And then, just when you think it might be the funniest show you’ve ever seen, comes a real and truthful moment from them both, full of depth and incredible perceptiveness, where Paul reminds us, that all we ever really want is to be seen and accepted for who we really are: the people we are “when we’re not really trying”.
People pleasers of the world unite! If that’s alright with everyone else. This is really the funniest and most touching, heart-warming, joyful, life affirming and inspiring show. The end sequence resulted in uproarious cheers and loudly vocalised joy. Overheard on leaving: “I laughed so much my jaw aches” – oh yes. Catch it if you can.
The Brunswick, Hove, 8 May 2024
Paul And Laura Don’t Give A Sh*T (Sorry) runs until 9 May
Photos credit: Amanda Hallam Lane
