Going for gold - double act win over crowd (From Western Telegraph)

Going for gold - double act win over crowd

Martha and Eve's Big Fat Olympic Meddle. Theatr Mwldan, August 12th.

This was one of those shows where - despite reading the blurb - I turned up not knowing what to expect.

But as surprise packages go, Martha and Eve were the entertainment equivalent of something I didn't know I wanted, but was really chuffed to receive.

Unusual but delightful, the Olympic-themed evening featured a mixture of music, comedy and delicious chit-chat from the two friendly and extremely talented BBCs - or British-born Cypriots. Voluptuous, exuberant sex kitten Eve, and wry, quick-witted Martha were a double act made in heaven in all ways, shapes and forms.

Accompanying themselves skilfully with guitars and percussion, Martha's strong, crisp singing voice contrasted wonderfully with Eve's husky tones.

They impressed the audience with songs in both Greek and English, ranging from the up-lifting to the melancholic. Their original material was stunning, and the souped-up cover versions of other people's songs they belted out were a joy.

And they made us sing along too. In fact, they weren't willing to take no for an answer, doggedly encouraging the small, but perfectly formed crowd to make some noise. In the comedy sense, they bounced off each other in that way only really good mates can, ad-libbing their hearts out and affectionately sending up Cypriot stereotypes in a way that was as touching as it was funny.

If I have one criticism, it's the fact that the Olympic thing was just a thinly veiled premise designed to give Martha and Eve an excuse to go on tour. But I don't think anyone minded.

This was a hugely enjoyable night of uncontroversial - unless you count the references to the European Championships! - good clean fun and great music.

Why the devil weren't you there?