Moby Dick by Lano & Woodley REVIEW ****1/2

 COMEDY/THEATRE

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

At Playhouse Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne until 22 April 2023

Reviewer: Kate Herbert

Stars: ****1/2

This review is published only on this blog. I’ll present a radio review on Arts Weekly, 3MBS, on Sat 15 April 2023. KH

Lano & Woodley in Moby Dick- pic by Ian Laidlaw

Moby Dick by inimitable comedy duo, Lano and Woodley (AKA Colin Lane and Frank Woodley), is a theatrical experience that is equal parts uproarious and clever. Colin and Frank's comedic chemistry and talent are obvious throughout the show, making it a must-watch for fans of their unique style of humour.

 

The show kicks off with a long sea shanty – Frank on guitar and Colin on tin whistle with varying degrees of success – that hilariously tells the entire story of Herman Melville's Moby Dick start to finish. Colin and Frank admit that this ruins the rest of the performance for everyone except the latecomers, who cop a lot of good-natured ridicule as they file into the front rows, setting the tone for the ensuing comedic mayhem.

 

What follows is chaotic and often hilarious slapstick in the pair’s idiosyncratic style that combines sharp theatrical elements, music and scrappy physical comedy. Colin takes on the role of narrator, attempting to deliver a serious version of Moby Dick, while Frank continuously sabotages his every effort with his mischievous antics.

 

At one point, Frank has an attack of the limericks, delivering minutes of dialogue in limerick verse. This is not only because one of the characters hails from Nantucket which rhymes with… well, you know! 

 

Amidst the laughter there are moments of exceptional theatricality including atmospheric, manipulated sound and dramatic elements that add depth to the show. One highlight is Colin's rendition of It Ain't Necessarily So, accompanied by his own sampled voice, showcasing his musical talents and adding another delightful detour to the storytelling.

 

Lano and Woodley’s Moby Dick is a bloody funny comic and theatrical experience. See it!

 

by Kate Herbert