Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Two Hearts: Til Death Do Us Hearts
Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore
Venue: Pleasance Courtyard
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Two Hearts: Til Death Do Us Heart is an outstanding piece of international comedy for anyone navigating the world of modern marriage (and also for everyone else. Real-life married couple Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore take the audience on a journey through their own marriage via song, dance, and of course, jokes.
Review
Occupying a late-night spot at Pleasance Courtyard, Two Hearts: Til Death Do Us Hearts provides an exciting and joyful hour making it a perfect way to end a day at the fringe. This is not the first Edinburgh show from the New Zealand comedians having had successful runs in the past, and they brought the same unique blend of music, comedy, and production value this time around.
The extremely high production value sets Two Hearts apart from their comedy peers. From the moment the first beat drops, it becomes clear that the audience is in for a treat. The lights begin to flash, the TV screens come to life, and you are suddenly transported into a pop sensation’s music video live on stage. The high-quality showmanship continues throughout the show with continued use of every resource Pleasance Two has to offer. Instead of being limited by the quirkiness of many fringe spaces, Two Hearts leaned into the venue using the limited wing space, steep seating, and even the loos to their advantage.
Two Hearts isn’t just aware of the physical space they occupy, they make a point to acknowledge the fringe festival environment. Whether that’s poking fun at the insane costs of life in Edinburgh or dropping their recommendations for other comedians to see, the duo doesn’t just present a show for an audience, they present a show for a fringe audience. They’ve further tailored the production to a late-night fringe audience. Upon entering the theatre, the duo greets you from the audience in full ‘wedding’ attire. They’re not just welcoming you into the room, they’re welcoming you to the party.
The comedy of Two Hearts is built upon surprises. Although not for children, the comics don’t rely on vulgar language or explicit descriptions to carry their jokes. Instead, they use sudden changes in lighting, sound, tone, and language to elicit laughter. Their songs bring a unique perspective to themes such as traveling with your partner, finding a roommate online, and climate change. Although a seemingly random assortment of topics, Two Hearts creates and follows a clear arc throughout the show making no part feel out of place.
Two Hearts stands out from the other late-night offerings at the fringe by providing the audience with a large-scale, high-production experience, not the usual intimate stand up set. This show is a must-see for the night owls of Old Town looking to laugh until it hurts.
