Double Act – Project Arts Centre – Review
18-20 January 2024

This piece is a celebration of double acts in film, music and entertainment over the last hundred years. The dates span from the Golden Age of Cinema to more or less present day.  We hear songs that are familiar such as “Keep Young and Beautiful” (from the 1933 film Roman Scandals), “Two Little Girls from Little Rock” (Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell ~ 1953) all the way to “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” (Spanish duo Baccara in 1977) and beyond. The two performers on stage dance, sing and perform in this wide-ranging cabaret-style production.

At the start of the production, we meet our double act, Millie Daniel-Dempsey and Amy Robyn Lyster who are the performers and also the directors of the piece. The two performers have a background in dance and met while studying the art form. The production has stretched them into vocal performance and comedy. It is a playful feel, like two small kids playing dress up.

The stage is simple with a room divider screen on each side of the stage, with a variety of props hanging from them.  These are used to create different moods and eras.

The opening sequence is quite striking with a series of questions from Terry Wogan to unknown performers.  It’s clear from his questions that despite his good humour, casual sexism is at play. The two female performers on stage listen on quizzically.

The production is exuberant and playful, with the performers recreating the dance moves from various double acts of the past. The piece is technically impressive as the two performers move and react to the music and words played over the speakers. The performers are good friends and that warmth resonates from them.  They are having fun on stage and they draw the audience into their world.

Credits
Directed and performed by Millie Daniel-Dempsey and Amy Robyn Lyster
Dramaturgy by Libby Seward
Sound Design by Aoife Kavanagh with special thanks to Martha Knight
Lighting Design by Kevin Murphy
Costume by Toni Bailey
Vocal Direction by Robbie Blake
Stage Management by Jen Aust
Produced by Sophie Coote
Photography by Taller Stories
Poster Design by Ste Murray and Maebh McManus

Special thanks to Lea Anderson MBE for her mentorship, Ella Clarke + Emily Kilkenny Roddy for their rehearsal support and Declan Martin.