imageA really good documentary reveals something or someone you never really knew before. The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls gives an insight into the women behind New Zealand comedy/musical double act, Jools and Linda Topp. Marketed as yodelling lesbians twins with a penchant for country music and dressing up, they don’t sound like your average comedy act, but isn’t it nice to have a little variety.
Using the structure of one of their autobiographical gigs, the documentary follows the Topp Twins’ evolution as comedians and political activists, with older footage and talking head interviews woven into the cinematic fabric. Directed by Leanne Poole the documentary shows how the sisters’ sense of fun as well as sense of justice has developed their comedy.
Labelled as New Zealand’s ‘finest artistic export since lamb cutlets’, the twins have had a strong political role. Actively campaigning for Maori land rights, against nuclear testings, for Gay rights and against the Springboks tour to New Zealand during Apartheid. The sisters have sung about and taken part in protests and rallies for decades
click here to read my full review at Trespass
