Duo

2m
1m 40+, 1m 20-30

Tarragon has just lost his partner in the vaudeville team of Tarragon and Spice. He attempts to train a dancer with a flair for physical comedy to be his new partner, but the ex-dancer has no memory for jokes. Tarragon threatens him with beatings if he doesn't shape up, and carries out the threats when they try out their act.

Duo requires no set, and only a bat or similar item as a prop. Lighting is used to distinguish the rehearsal scene from the performance scene, and shenanigans in the audience would suggest some use of house lights too. Gaudy vaudeville costumes would help "sell" the characters.

Duo needs a couple of physical comedians to fill the roles of Tarragon and Lackey. Violent slapstick is part of the show, with the suggestion that some of the violence is real. This makes for a somewhat uncomfortable balance between comedy and reality that the actors have to navigate.