@ Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, until Mon 17 Aug 2015 @ 20:15
Nailed It! is a heart-warming mixture of songs, anecdotes and jazzy jackets performed by the Australian duo Andrew Strano and Lochlan Mackenzie-Spencer. The whimsical songs, which verge on silliness at times, are centred around the theme of love. However, rather than lingering over soppy lyrics, Andrew navigates through some surprising, if a little odd, topics such as Hogwarts, RyanAir, addiction to babies and, er, plant genitalia.
Each song was the right amount of humour and emotion, creating a connection with their audience on a deeper level. In between songs, Andrew is completely at ease, with a natural and authentic presence on the stage, as he chats about the stories and inspiration behind the lyrics – for those times when you’re not necessarily nailing it, yet able to see the funny side. In one number, the lyrics tell of funny reactions to a break-up, such as alternating between a spoon of Nutella in one hand and peanut butter in the other. The song’s compilation of experiences come from the pair’s social network to give that inclusive sense of “me too”, letting people know that however nuts their break-up behaviour, they are not alone. This sums up the crux of the show, inclusion, emphasized by Strano and Mackenzie-Spencer’s welcoming and charming presence throughout the cabaret.
The intimate feel of the show makes it feels like you’ve been invited to eavesdrop on a private conversation with friends giving that little thrill of exclusivity. It mixes humour, vulnerability, heartbreak and optimism to create a cute and charming hour of entertainment.