Somehow I missed the Pajama Men in 2009, when they won the Barry Award, and again in every show they’ve done in Melbourne since. But if Just the Two of Each of Us is indicative (pretty certain it is) then I finally get why all the fuss, etc.
Wearing pyjamas, and with no set and only a couple of chairs as props (and the occasional keyboard tinkling of their on-stage musician), the titular Men – Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez – act out a loose tale involving a horrible beast, an immortal king, a man in search of challenge, a magic spider and one damn sexy motorbike. They perform every role in the often multi-character, interconnected skits, which frequently necessitates blink-of-an-eye leaps between roles. They pull off these leaps in a casually relaxed way that still manages to appear seamless, and highly amusing, and it’s a joy to watch and probably remains so even if you’ve seen them before.
Even more of a joy to behold is the physicality with which the duo imbues these characters with life. Combined with a script that makes dad jokes seem cutting edge, Just the Two of Each of Us will surely continue the Pajama Men’s run of successful Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows.
BY MELANIE SHERIDAN
Pajama Men – Just The Two Of Each Of Us is running at Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio until Sunday April 21.
