“Sometimes, getting people to laugh is the most political thing you can do”
Jools Topp
A 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.
“It’s so subversive when you think about it! Of all the forms to choose Country & Western is the most redneck, the most gender specific of all popular culture. To use that as a way of pushing forward gay rights it’s so subversive. But they’re not taking the mickey, that’s the key thing. That’s who they are” Billy Bragg discussing The Topp Twins
Fame and fortune don’t appear to be the guiding factor for the likeable comedians. Yes they have done the TV shows and the overseas festivals, but they seem happiest at country fairs in their homeland. With traces of Kath and Kim and a talent for music (their songs sung in Maori are beautiful) as well as comedy, the sisters have worked hard to have the longevity they’ve achieved.
This documentary is not really about their success or development as performers, it is about the joy of discovering something you love doing and have a good time whilst you’re doing it, something a lot of us struggle to find. It’s fun to meet new people and The Topp Twins are fantastic company for the 84 mins they are on screen; showing themselves to be funny, satirical, clever, bold, political and compassionate.
The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is released nationally in Australia on the 26th November
Director: Leanne Poole
Featuring: Jools & Linda Poole, Billy Bragg, John Clarke, Mereana Pitman, Helen Clark
I second Beth’s sentiments. Yodelling twin lesbians may not sound like your cup of tea (!), but that’s just part of the magic of this documentary – the fact that you can be intrigued, delighted and truly moved by their wonderful life stories.