Flo & Joan: With Feeling Review – Neurotic Songs From a Rock Setlist 2026

Flo & Joan's new show With Feeling at Shepherd's Bush Empire takes an old rock setlist and transforms it into a suite of hilariously neurotic songs, proving the sisters' unique place in musical comedy. The duo, comprised of real-life sisters Flo and Joan (Rosie Dempsey), found inspiration in a setlist left on stage by indie-rock band the Feeling four years prior. That chance discovery sparked a creative challenge: to write new songs matching the titles of the band's setlist, one by one. The result is a show that is both a tribute and a subversion, and it delivers handsomely entertaining results.

The Origin of With Feeling: A Setlist Found

The last time Flo & Joan played Shepherd's Bush Empire, they discovered a setlist on stage left by the Feeling from the previous night. This serendipitous find made the sisters contemplate their own relationship to the music industry. Are they a proper band or doomed to remain "musical comedy"? The problem with that label, they deadpan, is that "no one takes it seriously." Cue this new show, its structure inspired by that chance discovery. Tonight, the duo play a suite of new songs that, title by title, matches the setlist of the band who preceded them four years ago.

From Rock Anthems to Neurotic Numbers

In the sisters' hands, the Feeling's Fill My Little World becomes a neurotic number about the surfeit of stuff—cheap food, fast fashion, AI slop. Never Be Lonely returns to a favoured topic: Flo & Joan's toxic co-dependency, with an added sight gag involving Joan's questionable trumpet skills. Further numbers address the risks of poor punctuation and the need, in a society giddy on unfiltered self-expression, to "bring back shame." Elsewhere, those secondhand titles inspire bits of business or bad puns rather than whole new songs. That's just as much fun: Flo & Joan are more expansive on stage than they used to be, amusing one another and the audience in equal measure.

Why This Show Matters: Musical Comedy Meets Rock

Flo & Joan have long been celebrated for their sharp musical comedy, but With Feeling marks a new level of ambition. By taking a rock band's setlist and reimagining it through their neurotic lens, they blur the lines between comedy and rock. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a commentary on the music industry's perception of musical comedy. The sisters challenge the idea that comedy songs can't be taken seriously, all while making you laugh. The show's structure—a direct response to that found setlist—adds a layer of meta-theatricality that rewards longtime fans and newcomers alike.

What to Expect: A Night of Laughs and Surprises

Attendees can expect a mix of new songs, sight gags, and the sisters' trademark banter. The first half of the show is dedicated to the setlist challenge, with each song inspired by a Feeling title. The second half, presumably, features more traditional Flo & Joan material. The duo's stage presence has evolved; they are more expansive, interacting with each other and the audience with ease. The show is a testament to their growth as performers and writers. The background to this story is set out in Kimberly Akimbo Musical Review: Comedy About Aging Teen. A related thread runs through Celebrity: latest articles.

• Unique concept: A found setlist becomes the backbone of the show.
• Neurotic twists: Familiar rock titles get a comedic overhaul.
• Musical comedy debate: The sisters tackle the stigma of their genre.
• Expansive performance: More interaction and spontaneity than ever.
• Laugh-out-loud moments: From trumpet fails to punctuation rants.

Flo & Joan's Evolution: From YouTube to the West End

Flo & Joan first gained fame with viral YouTube videos, blending catchy tunes with darkly comic lyrics. Over the years, they've toured extensively and even had a residency in the West End. With Feeling represents their latest step in a career that continually defies easy categorization. They've moved from short-form internet content to full-length theatrical shows, maintaining their distinctive voice while expanding their scope. This show, with its high-concept structure, is perhaps their most ambitious yet. Earlier coverage in Amy Winehouse Musical in Development for London's West End shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Seth Meyers Mocks JD Vance and Trump's Bizarre Week.

The Verdict: A Triumph of Neurotic Creativity

With Feeling is a triumph for Flo & Joan, showcasing their ability to turn a chance discovery into a cohesive and hilarious show. It's a must-see for fans of musical comedy and anyone who appreciates clever, self-aware humor. The sisters prove that musical comedy can be both silly and smart, and that a found setlist can be the start of something wonderful. As they continue to evolve, one thing is clear: Flo & Joan are not just a musical comedy act—they're a force to be reckoned with. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Ali G: Who Iz I? Review – Sacha Baron Cohen's High-Stakes Satire. The same theme surfaces in Black Bag by Luke Kennard: Audiobook Review of Booker-Shortlisted, which takes a different angle.