Speedmouse

I have seen the Umbilical Brothers on TV on odd occasions but this was the first time I had encountered them live. I hope it won’t be the last.

They have been peddling their particular brand of physical humour for over 25 years and it is quite unique. Speedmouse brought them into the digital age. They’d lost their remote! Someone had it, as they went mute, paused, rewound and fast-forwarded as various buttons were pressed out of their sight. Their physical and vocal control was amazing.

Many of the props were invisible, but no one seemed to mind. Their timing was impeccable. They involved one of the backstage crew, a roadie dressed as a clown, who took a dislike to one of the brothers. They were also interrupted by the stage manager in the bio-box at various critical points. The lighting was effective including the use of strobe.

This was a very funny show and if you have not seen them live, make sure you catch them.

Graham Ford