Our hero's are a classic double act of the dumb and dumber variety. Barry's the thicker and more cautious one, a fool who doesn't want to be an idiot. Steph is worldly in a moronic sort of way, an idiot who's nobodies fool. Played by Daniel Hoffmann-gill and writer Mark Whiteley, they're fun to watch, as they kill time in another man's house, trying to work out what to do with his corpse.

The comedy won't win prizes for originality. The two play silly games and give themselves inappropriate nicknames and argue incessantly in the manner of the chuckle brothers. It can get wearing. But behind the easy gags, ex-con Whiteley has a point to make about the stupidity of the petty criminal mindset. Steph thinks crooks lack brains. Otherwise why would most of them end up in jail? Still, trapped by a desire to build himself a 'reputation' Steph himself demonstrates how desperate people end up taking stupid risks for the most worthless of prizes.

So it's a broad comedy plus social awareness and as performed here, it's lively and reminiscent of a decent John Godber. Another evening I've enjoyed at the quirky blue elephant.

Kieron Quirke

Feb. 2004