Frisky & Mannish
Published: Tuesday 21st September 2021
One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate.
This week we actually welcome two of our top comedy poptometrists: it's Frisky & Mannish, who are occupying London's Underbelly Cavendish Square over the weekend with a show that's in the know, hit-wise. As they explain:
"PopLab is your basic introduction to the science behind pop music, including the Pop Periodic Table (which, as we all know, starts with Rihannium, JayZezium, Beyonceum and Eltonium), some virology (our work combatting the Tropical House Virus) and even forensic archaeology (exploring the ancient tribe of the FleeTwood-Mac).
"We also do some live experiments to help with our re-release of a wild Rick Astley, which have been most illuminating."
They are never gonna give him up, or gonna let him down. Maybe a bit of running around though. So did they get up to much vital lab research over the last 18 months?
"Sadly, like so many, our work was put on hold during the lockdowns, but since we've been legally allowed in the same room, we've got ourselves back into sparkling form to continue this important work."
They're poptimistic. Frisky & Mannish, your Random 8 await.
What was your childhood career dream?
Frisky aspired to be the very loudest woman-dressed-as-a-man-dressed-as-a-woman in showbusiness. There is a good chance she has achieved this. Mannish wanted to be a pre-eminent academic and celebrated classical musician. There is no chance he has achieved this.
Is there an album that changed your life?
For both, the discovery of Kate Bush marked a turning point. For Mannish, the song cycle of The Ninth Wave, with its vast musical and dramatic achievements represents the zenith of her dazzlingly imaginative work. Frisky would also like to be a kite, and so The Kick Inside speaks to her on the deepest of levels.
What's the greatest invention ever?
Reverb. It's the Instagram filter for voices. Praise be.
Do you have a favourite shop?
M&S Simply Food. We will drive tens of miles extra while on tour to stop at a services that has an M&S. Between a Super Nutty Wholefood Salad, a mini wine, and a tub of cornflake cakes, you've got everything you could possibly need and/or want.
What's the best performance you ever gave?
There's always a random Thursday or something in the middle of an Edinburgh Fringe run, when, for absolutely no reason whatsoever, you have the audience of your dreams, the show you could only wish for, and give the performance of your life. There's no way of predicting when it will come, but it's usually an unassuming weeknight, and the chemistry just all comes together.
And you don't even really notice it's happened, because you're running off to see that thing you really wanted to see, followed by 18 late-night cabaret spots, and a few drinks with old mates. You're just in the flow, and it's heaven. We miss Edinburgh. *sigh*
Which town/city should be abolished?
London, obviously. It's horrific.
What's the weirdest thing in your wardrobe?
A skirt from Next. We know, chilling. But it was just a prop from our show Just Too Much not an actual life choice. Don't call social services on us.
Which live event would you most like to have attended?
Oh to have seen the great pop starlets of the 00s at their height! That tour when they've had a smash first album, they're cocky as shit, the record company are spaffing money on sets and costumes and lights, they have 400 dancers and they only play THE HITS because they only have hits.
We're talking Overprotected-era-Britney, Dirrty-era-Xtina, Justified-era-Justin - *wipes tear* - I mean...
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