[2] They later began working together as a cabaret and sketch act, the Amazing Tom and Ed Brothers, and regularly hosted fundraising shows for Amnesty International.
[3] Ed left home to attend the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where he received songwriting tuition from Paul McCartney.
[citation needed] Jollyboat was created to be performed at Ed's graduation show from LIPA in 2010,[1] where the brothers played comic songs inspired by shared childhood experiences.
This early set included their act, the Pirate Pop Songs,[4] which were inspired by the comic computer game The Secret of Monkey Island.
[citation needed] In 2011, Jollyboat won the Musical Comedy Awards, receiving praise from celebrity comedians Neil Morrissey and Mitch Benn.
Critics have commented on the brother's enthusiastic presentation, including a "likeable onstage presence",[16] a "tangible passion for entertainment"[18] and their "almost psychic connection on stage",[10] which is often attributed to their close relationship.