House renovations have been a huge staple in today’s drive to earn a little extra cash on the side and have been made popular by tv programmes such as Homes Under The Hammer, giving people an opportunity to change a home to be sold again, or to rent out as a holiday let. In Flippers, we see Karl and Gary being given an opportunity by their landlady to do exactly this, but flip it afterwards to see the profit rolling in. Will their efforts pay off for this extremely unlikely team-up? Or will it collapse due to unstable foundations both literally and metaphorically?
FlippersCreators and performers Kyle Eaton and Daryll Sidney created Flippers as a way to examine the possibilities of building strong foundations to eradicate loneliness through this fast-paced comedy, which was very reminiscent of comedy classic Peep Show due to the style of peeking into their pivotal moments and the banter they had. Communication is a vital tool for working together and establishing a connection and thanks to Eaton and Sidney’s vibrantly contrasting characters, it looked like it was heading for disaster until they found a common ground to relate to each other with.
Due to the physical nature of the show, despite the simple set which included cardboard boxes and small props such as a clock to indicate a home, it seemed a little too big for a small space such as The Actors for their needs. Despite this, as well as some of the lines being spoken too quickly for the punchlines to really hit home, Eaton and Sidney really did well with the small space to make Flippers work. It really would suit a larger space due to some of the physicality needing more room to breathe.
Eaton and Sidney’s chemistry on stage really came to life as they conflicted during the renovation. They made their respective characters relatable with their respective journeys of being separated from their partners and trying to start anew. Eaton’s Karl was vibrant, cheeky and not afraid to splash the cash, whilst Sidney’s Gary was pedantic, down to earth and maybe had a touch of ocd. This kind of combination added a dynamic to the show that showed that differences really do attract, no matter what sexuality you are. The banter was quick-witted and yet not afraid to be vulnerable with each other when appropriate. A good partnership that is set for bigger and better things.
Flippers is funny, charming and keeps you on your toes. Whilst you may not want these characters to reform your home, you definitely want them in your hearts.
Sascha Cooper
Karl – Kyle Eaton
Gary – Daryll Sidney
Lodgers Karl and Gary have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity by their elderly landlady.
If they can renovate the house, increase its value and flip it – the extra money from the sale will be split between them. Sure, they have no idea where to start. But they also have nothing else to do. No one else to see. What can go wrong?
Flippers is a fast-paced comedy underpinned by themes of companionship and loneliness – exploring how we can all find ourselves alone at any stage of our life, and how we can find friendship in the unlikeliest of people.