Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

Anyone who thinks it’s easier to make children laugh than adults has never sat with a child through a full show, willing them to be grateful for the experience. Sure, a few minutes of giggles here and there are achievable, but sustaining engagement for 50 minutes is a hell of a task, and they sure don’t keep it to themselves if they’re bored.

There’s no risk of listlessness with Australian double act Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly. Although The Listies Make Some Noise is pitched at over fours, these guys know how to release hysteria in people of all ages.

Pumping out an anarchic stream of physical comedy, wordplay and chaotic sketches, they play with the idea of telling us about musical instruments, but, true to form, there’s no real ambition to educate. After all, these are the people who not long ago punchlined a raucous cautionary tale with something along the lines of: ‘Remember, kids, the moral of the story is: if you don’t clean your room… somebody else will.’

One of the stand-out sketches involves Kelly dressed up as a baby in a pram, repeating a cycle of beautifully observed requests that has everyone in this large venue howling. And there’s a bold use of Nutella that causes a great deal of debate for hours afterwards.

Like all the best kids’ shows, there are opportunities for audience members to get involved, but there’s no pressure at all to do so. Adults might even get a chance to join a temporary band if they’re confident about their burping skills.

I laughed more in The Listies Make Some Noise than I have in nearly any other comedy show this year. Borrow a kid and pretend you’re doing them a favour. And book quickly, as they’re only in Edinburgh – at House Of Oz –  until Sunday.

Review date: 17 Aug 2023
Reviewed by: Ashley Davies
Reviewed at: House of Oz