As the audience arrive into the cosy yet intimate venue that is Club Voltaire in North Melbourne, we are handed an ANZAC biscuit and asked to pick a side. Who invented the pavlova is the ultimate question.
Comedy duo Loud Jess (Jess Loudon) and Sandra Pace are immediately likeable, and the show hasn’t even started.
For one hour, they cover everything from politics to men, moving to New Zealand, rugby and the friendship between the two nations.
The main theme tying this show together is the age-old question: Who invented the Pavlova?
With audience participation that makes the show engaging, the duo are quick with their retorts, snappy one-liners, and they bounce off each other with incredible energy.
The women have great banter with each other, reminiscent of a young Gina Riley and Jane Turner ( Kath and Kim), and they’re incredibly comfortable in front of an audience. There’s no forced interactions, these two are naturally funny.
The show is dotted with dark humour. The subject of politics is candidly explored, and they look back on the era of Covid lockdowns, amongst other things, while talking about their lives in New Zealand – affectionately known as ‘ Across the ditch’.
The two have great energy, which is important in any comedy duo, but having a strong theme helps to tie the show all together, so it’s not just two loud girls rambling. It’s thought out, well-written and leaves just enough breathing room for improv and unplanned moments.
As for whether pavlova was invented in New Zealand or Australia, not to give away the ending, but we do get an answer as promised.
The comedy festival is wrapping up for another season, and before it goes, make sure to get down and have a laugh with Sandra and Jess. Their show is an hour of light-hearted comedy that never takes itself too seriously and is a refreshing reminder on why Australians and Kiwis love to give each other a hard time.
Yeah Nah Pavlova will be showing until April 20 at Club Voltaire in North Melbourne.
To book tickets to Yeah Nah Pavlova, please visit https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/yeah-nah-pavlova/.
