Nathaniel Jones: 2 by 2 - Daisy Underbelly Bristo Square - Review

The story of Noah, his ark and the animals marched in two by two is pretty well known and you wouldn’t think that, with the exception of the 2007 film Evan Almighty, it would be a story that could be converted into a comedy never mind one that is so silly, so ridiculous, so stupid in the best way that it will have you laughing out load and turning around in your seat just so you can try and take it all in. But here we are with our host Nathaniel Jones, playing Noah with a shining white wig and an even brighter smile, taking us as the animals themselves on a cruise ship like no other with their show Nathanial Jones: 2 by 2.

The premise, although bonkers (in a good way) is relatively simple. Noah (Jones) fresh from leaving a tumultuous relationship as one third of an throuple, is invited by God (who’s voice here is jokingly that of Mickey Mouse) to captain the ark taking themselves and the animals to a better world. What follows is a voyage upon the ark, AKA a Disney cruise, where Noah learns about the animals and themselves on what can only be described as the strangest, funniest, most out there voyage of discovery you’ll most likely ever see.

Jones, as both a cruise ship host and a performer, has this wonderful infectious energy that simply lights up the room even making the small space of Daisy, Underbelly Bristo Square, feels like a vast stage with their name in lights. Within seconds there is a sense that everyone is welcome and that everyone is ready to be swept away in the madness of it all. Audience members are invited to play animals, and they embrace it, with animals on the night I attended including a giraffe (who then had to decide what noise that makes) and, of course for the fringe, a wee Scottish coo. A show like this only really works if the performer makes everyone feel comfortable enough to embrace it and join in, and Jones is able to do that with ease.

With a Capella singalongs that had the audience in stitches, and a very questionable scene involving some very questionable wine that caused both giggles and cringes, the hour rushes by as we are taken through an adventure of Noah’s up and down life. From the dreams of being a star, the breakup of their throuple, which may or may not have led to the end of the end as they knew it,  to the realisation that the animals come in two by two but Noah is indeed seemingly destined to be a single figure in the new world, the hilarity and madness of it all is expertly balanced with the idea that we should take care of the world that do have right here and now.

Yes, Nathaniel Jones: 2 by 2 is bonkers, it is crazy and in parts it is strange, but it is wonderful. With countless Disney references, songs, animal jokes, audience interaction and many points about facing up to your trauma, being honest with yourself and simply having fun, it celebrates true identity and self discovery, love is love through the use of some polyamorous doves and finding joy in everything. It’s wonderfully good fun, and works best if you just go in with an open mind and embrace it for all the craziness it is.