REVIEW: NOOK AND CRANNY: TWIN DETECTIVES

When crime is on the rise, two estranged twin detectives begrudgingly reunite to solve the case in this high-octane manic comedy from the talented minds of Devin Bateson and Justin Shaw in Nook & Cranny: Twin Detectives.

Shaw is Nook: the responsible, adorkable one. Bateson is Cranny: the gritty, loose cannon. It’s like a Hardy Boy meeting Martin Riggs. Together, they are brilliant foils for one another and allow for the tropes of beloved buddy cop comedies to shine through. There’s rapid and witty dialogue from both performers with plentiful referential bits to their prior cases, pop culture and randomly placed bits of trivia that unexpectedly work with the story in the most ridiculous way.

The writing showcases both of Bateson and Shaw’s collaborative comedic efforts. It allows for improv without going too far off the rails and its quick pace keeps the audience engaged from the start. When there are brief moments of prop or costume malfunctions, rather than break character, Bateson and Shaw give a knowing smile and simply incorporate them into the scene. Brilliant.

While I have seen the high-energy antics from Bateson before in last year’s The Midshipman’s Handbook, it was exciting to see the typically mild-mannered Shaw match that level in this production. There’s a great deal of physical comedy, costume and character changes and even a hilarious interpretive dance montage. The amount of trust and charisma between them demonstrates how when two creative forces come together, real comedic magic can happen.

Nook & Cranny: Twin Detectives is a laugh-a-minute treat for audiences at this year’s Fringe. There is so much heart (and sweat) involved and that is truly what makes this show shine (from the Bright Room no less). Get on the case and see this hilarious tale of brotherly love and murder.

Please note: The Bright Room venue space at The Staircase is only accessible by use of stairs.