It must be said that the show belongs to McClelland, both his comic background and charisma invaluable to proceedings. He’s the epitome of a natural performer, carrying the show with ease. While Bell, to some extent, complements McClelland, his confession of being more DJ than performer tends to ring true. Nevertheless, the affable pair combine well and, pleasingly, present a well-rounded exploration of pop music. Everything from Dr.Hook to Carly Rae Jepsen earns a mention – and, indeed, an airing – as the DJs firmly establish their credentials as pretension-free party-pleasers, well-versed in the spectrum of pop.
If anything can be held against Hang The DJ, it’s the unpolished execution of the show. Flubbed or forgotten lines have a habit of intruding upon segments, the performers occasionally caught out. However, strange as it sounds, Hang The DJ’s ramshackle moments simply make things that little more fun. It’s a testament to the pair’s natural goodwill that their audience can laugh along with any minor hiccups. Nothing’s taken too seriously, as the performers simply roll with the punches.
It’s a shame Hang The DJ experienced such a limited season at Fringe, Trades Hall only host to a few nights. Not only is it a funny and an especially entertaining show, its double-billing as a club night makes for one uniquely fun evening. Given McClelland’s lengthy residence at Trades Hall, his Finishing School a Friday night staple, one hopes the show might manage an encore.
