Musical comedy duo Flo & Joan, consisting of sisters Nicola and Rosie Dempsey, have debuted a new show titled *With Feeling* at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. Building on their previous work, including the 2024 Edinburgh hit *One Man Musical*, the sisters have crafted a highly original concept aimed at challenging perceptions of their musical identity.
The impetus for the show came after Flo & Joan discovered a discarded set list belonging to the rock band the Feeling, who had performed at the venue the night before. Responding to a review that described them as “almost like a real band,” the Dempseys set out to prove their rock credentials by creating a program that follows the Feeling’s original track order and titles. However, rather than performing the band’s songs, they composed 18 new pieces that share these titles, each presented in the same sequence.
The show’s inventive premise blends comedy and music, opening with “High Like You,” a witty and musically inventive song about being short. Other highlights include “Fill My Little World,” which explores the modern preoccupation with online content, and “Never Be Lonely,” a more introspective piece reflecting on their relationship as sisters. Throughout the performance, the duo interacts naturally, often crossing songs off a projected list as they progress, adding a layer of playful self-awareness to the format.
Critics note that the Dempseys have evolved from their earlier deadpan style to a more relaxed and personal stage presence, contributing to a sense of warmth and spontaneity. Their second half shifts gears into a rock’n’roll mode, featuring selections from their decade-long career with a tone that remains ironically self-referential. These songs, often marked by articulate observations on social awkwardness, underscore their unique voice within the musical comedy genre.
Flo & Joan’s new show has been recognized not only for its ambitious structure but also for its accessibility and the duo’s musical proficiency. While their approach blends satire and sincerity, they have successfully distinguished themselves as a double act with both comedic sharpness and genuine musical talent, challenging the boundaries between comedy and traditional band performance.