Pelican is one of the best sketch-comedies I’ve seen at the Fringe in years. Created and performed by ex-Footlights Jordan, Sam and Guy, the trio has charisma, likability and wit all rolled into one.
With a cheeky spin on 1970s neo-noir film, Pelican follows a narrative that surrounds oblivious actor Charles Heron and his search to find the truth behind an old Hollywood curse…before it kills him. Sprinkled throughout are hilarious tangents of over-the-top TV clips, absurd physical comedy and audience participation (just the right amount of audience participation), which don’t seem relevant to the main story at first, but as the play unfolds it becomes more and more clear how intelligently crafted Pelican is.
My absolute favourite moments of the show were when something technical malfunctioned (like the fog machine not being plugged in at the start of the show) and the three performers had to improvise through gritted teeth; you could see the genuine bond between the three young men onstage and I felt like I was among friends.
Pelican is quick and punchy – reminiscent of The Play That Goes Wrong – and if you’re at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, you better grab tickets ASAP…before they sell out!