Review

REVIEW: Siblings: The Siblinginging – 3*

Radio Ha-Ha! talks Ha-Ha!

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Written by Sarah Exton

Review date: 15th August 2019

As a first time watcher of Siblings, it was a joy watching these two sisters having fun together on stage. A much welcomed change from other sibling dynamics that always seem to involve a level of resentment towards each other.

Opening the show strongly as two New York audience members trying to find their seats, this set the tone for the rest of the show. Absurd, silly, but well put together. Of course, there were bits which went on for a bit too long; but they managed to snatch back any lost momentum with a level of goofiness that involved wrapping rubber bands around their heads. 

It’s nice to see two women involved in sketch comedy; however it’s a shame that it felt like most of the punchlines, or at least the stronger punchlines, were presented mostly by Marina. Maddy comes out strongest, in the Winch boys sketch, but unfortunately the spotlight is unintentionally shifted onto Marina with her more subtle comic approach, during the musical number.

The relationship between Maddy and Marina is admirable, and their attitude towards playing and creating ridiculous character dynamics is strong – it’s just the balance is a bit off. 

The collection of various sketches is well put together, and at no point does it feel like the show is dragging on. As with any sketch group, there are definitely some skits that aren’t as strong, like the Pony Club. However, when they do get it right, they get it bang on.

I’m not entirely sure if ending on a “where are they now” segment was the strongest end to the whole show, but it’s understandable why it’s included, as it efficiently wraps the whole performance up.