Reviewed by: Fringefeed
Review by Alana Kildea | 31 January 2023

Jon and Ollie: Put the Kettle On is a two-man romp of skits and sketches that may be so crazy, you can’t help but laugh.

The performers, Jon and Ollie, are known for their physical comedy and commitment to the bit, and this show certainly requires commitment to the bit. Audiences can expect live singing of bizarre songs (sometimes in other languages, and sometimes in animal noises), distorted facial expressions and jokes that require finely tuned skills in mime. My favourite sketch was when the two performers pretended to be a vacuum cleaner: it was so simple and stupid, and I have no idea why they were a vacuum cleaner, but it was hilarious.

I am not going to lie, I didn’t quite know what was going on most of the time, but I think that is entirely the point. Some jokes landed and some didn’t, but I can honestly say I never knew what was going to happen next. The randomness of this show had me wondering how on Earth they came up with these ideas. Why are they rapping about stoicism? And why is an Ed Sheeran song playing? I don’t have any answers. My advice would be just don’t think too hard about it and enjoy the pandemonium.

This show has less finesse and charm than other Fringe shows Jon and Ollie have been in previously. Nevertheless, I don’t think finesse and charm is quite what this show is going for. The show is complete madness, and if you are prepared to throw logic out the window, you will be laughing the entire time.

Jon and Ollie: Put the Kettle On is an enjoyable show brimming with non sequiturs. If you have some time, grab a ticket and treat yourself to an hour of high-energy, cackling chaos.