Holly Kellingray and Brooke Jones are sketch and character comedy duo Hooked. Their debut hour ‘Mr Sister’ sees the pair navigate being ‘besties forever’ through a series of madcap sketches. Having already built up a sizeable following on TikTok and Instgram, Hooked are excited to bring their characters to the stage. We spoke to Holly and Brooke about the show, translating viral videos to a live setting, and their hopes for August.
Can you tell us about ‘Mr Sister’?
‘Mr Sister’ in one word: manic. We’ve created a show that celebrates our friendship whilst also being funny, funny, funny. It’s a mix between character and sketch comedy and we’ve tried to make it as personal as possible. Between all the crazy characters and numerous wigs – the audience will get to know us too. And we promise, it’ll be the most ridiculous thing you’ve seen all year.
The show focuses on how you’ve vowed to be ‘besties for life’. How long have you been friends, and when did you start performing comedy together?
We met in 2014, on the first day of university. We were the cool kids at the back of the campus tour (obviously) and we haven’t looked back since. However, Comedy only started taking off for us in Aug ‘22. Funnily enough some of our comedy characters ‘The Puft Mumma’s’ started reaching viral views when we were up at the Fringe last year. We are so grateful for platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, but it is bittersweet. Views and followers help so much – but we want people to see us live! We’ve only been making video content for a year but we’ve been working on live shows for the past six years and that’s where we truly let loose and have the most fun.
You’ve been touring the show as a work-in-progress. How have those shows gone, and has the show changed much during the tour?
‘Mr Sister’ is truly our beloved first born. It’s our debut hour and we have spent so much time trying to make it perfect. However, what the previews have shown us is ‘Mr Sister’ is far from perfect – but that’s what makes it fun. The show is completely barmy, and what’s important is us having fun with the audience and making each show different.
This is your debut Fringe show. What are your hopes and expectations for August?
Hopes? That people take a chance on our debut show, as we’re honestly chuffed with it. Plus it’s at 1.05pm so if you hate it – grow up, as you’ve got the rest of the day left. Expectations wise, we’re expecting to be the most tired we’ve ever been – and we are very sleepy girls. September? Don’t talk to us. Unless you are Soho Theatre.
Beside ‘Mr Sister’, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August?
We’re performing as part of the ‘Fringe Fridays’ at the National Museum of Scotland on the 11th Aug at 8.15pm, which is very cool. You can also catch us at The List Festival Party on Thursday 3rd August, 00:45-01:00 in The Anatomy Room at Summerhall. But you’ll also see us on the mile everyday as our most popular characters – Nifty and NooNoo.
Apart from your show, what else are you looking forward to (or even perhaps dreading) about the Fringe?
We’re really looking forward to laughing lots and lots. We have so many funny friends headed up there as well so we know we’ll be howling through the tired eyes. We also can’t wait to be staying in student accommodation – slay? No seriously, the beds better be comfy.
Are there any other acts at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see?
We recommend our Edinburgh besties – My Last Two Brain Cells, they’re on at the Gilded Balloon at 21.40 and the gorgeous and hilarious comedian Lorna Rose Treen with ‘Skin Pigeon’ at The Pleasance at 4.35pm. We can only mention two right now because we currently have one brain cell left between us.
‘Mr Sister’ runs from Thu 3 to Sun 27 Aug 2023 at Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just Up the Stairs at 13:05