Review

REVIEW: Flo & Joan: Before the Screaming Starts – 3½*

Radio Ha-Ha! talks Ha-Ha!

Written by Ciara Kelleher

Review date: 13th August 2019

After watching the 2018 BROS documentary “After the Screaming Stops”, which followed twins Matt & Luke Goss, musical duo Flo & Joan question how they can halt their slow descent into sibling hatred, all in good fun of course. After setting the bar high with their song ‘Relatable’ last year, Flo & Joan did not disappoint with songs like ‘Confidence’ and ‘Irish Goodbye’. The show began with ‘Confidence’ where they sang about a series of daring acts such as wearing white jeans while having your period. This was performed in typical Flo & Joan style; with a deadpan poker face and it gave us a brief glimpse into what the audience had in store for the next hour.

In between the songs, the audience got a cold, comedic exchange from the duo. This involved them questioning each other and referring to the mutual disdain they have for each other. Such as Flo telling Joan that she is the one with the keyboard, she’ll sing what she likes and to not interrupt her. Although it was obviously a joke, it was delivered with such conviction that it divided the audience; some found it funny and others were shocked. 

Their performance was witty and intelligent. It flew by and left me singing ‘Irish Goodbye’ for the rest of the evening. The show challenged the audience with so many attention-grabbing, fast paced punch lines and twists in the lyrics. They are one of the best musical comedy acts I have seen and despite their scepticism on their future as a duo, I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for Flo & Joan.

Catch Flo & Joan at 6pm at the Assembly George Square Piccolo until August 25^th, tickets available here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/flo-joan-before-the-screaming-starts