Review: Norris and Parker: Sirens

Mythologically speaking, the sirens were all about death. They lured hapless sailors to a watery grave with their songs, while the creatures themselves were fated to die should anyone survive their calls. Pretty hardcore, really.

Self-described “Piscean comedy duo” Sinead Parker and Katie Norris seek to channel the alluring madness of these mythic seductresses in their latest Fringe hour. It’s their first show since 2018, by which point they’d established a solid brand of witty comedy songs and classic duo repartee – particularly that boiling tension that comes from two big personalities sparring in mock on-stage rivalry. And Sirens brings all that back, filling the Monkey Barrel basement with deranged, boisterous sketches and catchy numbers.

But despite a strong opening and a brilliant, genuinely wholesome finish, the laugh-o-meter’s needle lulls more than it should for such a consummate act. The pair themselves are a safe bet – that mock rivalry is hard to make convincing, and they nail it – and there are some needle-sharp gags (and lyrics) littering the show. Their accents, theatrics and effortless chemistry might tempt you overboard – be warned. But unlike the sirens of antiquity, they don’t quite kill.