NO More Fiffing and Faffing is about a double act that is not only at the end of a pier but also the end of their careers.
Written by and starring Jimmy Cricket, expertly supported by Rochdale’s Colin Meredith and Jonathan Young from The Bachelors, No More Fiffing and Faffing is a laugh out loud delight from beginning to end.
I was lucky enough to catch a performance at the iconic Plaza in Stockport.
Set at the end of the pier, it’s the tale of a comedy double who are preparing for their final performance after many years on the road together.
But it is a final performance that is under threat of not happening, because of a raging storm that has alerted a vigilant health and safety officer who intends to visit.
Tensions between Joe Fiffing, (Jimmy Cricket), and Jerry Faffing, (Jonathan Young), come to the fore and add to the likelihood of a no show.
Stage manager Archie Gibbons (Colin Meredith), tries valiantly to smooth over the bumpy road to the final performance.
The audience is treated to moments of tension, pathos and downright hilarity throughout.
And in the scenes where Fiffing and Faffing perform their act we get Jimmy’s comedy golden nuggets at their best.
We see Joe and Jerry strut their stuff on stage, then follow them to the dressing room where they settle old scores.
Luckily, Archie is on hand to sort things out, enabling the boys to perform all of their best routines for their loyal fans at their swan song show.
Jimmy explained: “The show is a part drama and part variety.”
“We see the duo doing their act on stage but also see what’s happening off stage in the dressing room.
“It’s nice being able to strike that balance, so, for an audience, there are some classic comedy routines to enjoy but also the relationship between the two comedians.”
Jimmy was inspired to write No More Fiffing and Faffing after working with numerous double acts over his long career.
Catch its next performance at the Palace Theatre in Mansfield on February 20.
For tickets click here, find full tour listings here.
