Review by Steve Bennett

The Scared Weird Little Guys may be very good at what they do - but what they do has been done so often before.

For while this talented Aussie duo are a hugely entertaining music act - lively songs, jokey banter and buckets of charm, they lose so many marks when it comes to originality.

Yes, they try so hard to please that they include several well-researched gags about Edinburgh. Yes, they show a clear ability to improvise. And yes, they do try to move away from their guitars thanks to the use of banjos, mandolins and even whistle-pops.

But despite all that, and the good time that will be had by all, their repertoire of moderately amusing, if energetic, songs just seems a bit too familiar.

They have one inventive routine involving a digital mixing box, but otherwise you are sure to have seen it all before.

Even their high-energy finale, which ripped up the audience, was derivative of Phil Nichol. Where he sings his own song - Only Gay Eskimo - in a variety of musical styles, they sing Prince's Kiss.

So while you won't leave Spiegeltent without a smile on your face and a song in your heart, your head might well be a little disappointed.

Review date: 1 Jan 2001
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett