The Jinglists is a kooky, two-man comedy about agoraphobic brothers who never leave the (dis)comfort of their filthy, one-room flat. Abandoned as children and isolated from the world, Loman and Leigh have remained hopelessly child-like. They survive on a talent for writing advertising jingles, which they trade with an unscrupulous agent in return for crackers and coffee.
When their otherwise repetitive daily routine is disrupted by a knock on the door, a brief conversation with a neighbour ensues. This tiny infringement is enough to completely de-stabilise their tenuous existence, which rapidly descends into chaos.
The play was co-written and performed by Allsopp and Henderson, whose comedic talent was clear from the very first moment. Peals of laughter broke out across the packed theatre before the first line was even spoken. For the next 60 minutes, the audience was whisked through this hilarious and somewhat disturbing story.
It's a polished performance, peppered with upbeat jingles and groan-worthy gags. Lighting, set and sound combine to draw you into the squalid world of Loman and Leigh.
If you've seen this play before, in its previous iterations at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, it's worth seeing again. Its been rewritten and expanded since then.
I suggest you turn up a little early, to allow time for a pre-show drink in the lobby. The bar has a balcony with a spectacular view over Bondi Beach, well worth a visit in its own right.
