Every now and again — though all too rarely — a comedy show comes along that casts things in a new light. Pajama Men’s Versus Vs Versus is that kind of show. One can spot echoes of everything from the classic clowning of commedia dell’arte to the sublime silliness of The Mighty Boosh along the way but this American duo ultimately possesses a marvellously unique appeal.
In a series of impeccably executed sketches clean-cut Shenoah Allen (a slightly demented Kevin Bacon) and curly Mark Chavez (hints of Chico Marx) switch effortlessly from character to character. One moment they are spoofing Chaucerian knights in a spot of self-proclaimed "medieval crap", the next they are a film noir twosome on the run.
Other delights include a Borat-style nerd obsessed with all things "gross" and a new age hippychick intent on communing with the audience.
This could all be painfully self‑conscious. Indeed, the pyjamas and bare feet do reek a little of drama school. But one is easily charmed by the grace and skill on display. Like Flight of the Conchords there is so much gentleness to the comedy here, along with some beautiful gothic flourishes, that it is impossible not to take it to one’s heart and cherish it.
Like the Conchords, Pajama Men also peddle a nice line in whimsical music, though here it is more incidental than integral.
Towards the end the various strands, which initially seem selfcontained, start to connect up and conclude. The narrative is not always easily accessible, but the mood is so upbeat it barely matters.
Furthermore, while lesser comedies offer up diminishing returns on repeated viewings, this is the kind of densely packed production that might actually be better on a return visit. Until that second viewing the thought of their chess-playing bat and a sequence of hilarious thumb-based physical buffoonery will linger in the memory.
Until 28 March (020 7478 0100,
www.sohotheatre.com)
Pajama Men: Versus Vs Versus
Soho Theatre
Dean Street, W1D 3NE
