Two legends collide: one a comedy duo, the other a classic story.
Moby Dick may not seem very humourous to most (save for the joke in the name, you child). Herman Melville’s 1851 novel is one of the most well-known pieces of American literature, touching on themes of longing, fate and free will.
But in the hands of Lano and Woodley (also known as Colin Lane and Frank Woodley), the philosophical whale tale becomes a joyous farce. Currently on at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the show takes audiences on a topsy-turvy journey through the story, leaving us feeling as dizzy as Ishmael after a few weeks at sea.
Lano & Woodley present Moby Dick
- April 11 to 16 – Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Arts Centre
- April 29 – Town Hall, Wollongong
- May 19 – Civic Theatre, Camden
- May 27 – Town Hall, Kyneton SOLD OUT
- June 3 – Entertainment Centre, Albury
- June 10 – Wagga Wagga Comedy Festival, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
- June 17 – Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sutherland
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In the show, a determined Lano seeks to tell the story of Moby Dick while fielding distractions from an eager Woodley. As the ceaseless interruptions get goofier – props, songs, physical comedy, you name it – Lano becomes gets progressively more angry, bringing the duo’s classic love/hate dynamic to centre stage.
While the nature of the show draws inspiration from some elements of the comedian’s real life, Lano says they typically mesh very well.
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“I think Frank and I both had a very similar sense of humour right from the start,” he told Forte.
“When you’re on stage and you’re just absolutely, supremely confident in what your other half is doing and the audience is having a great time, you just go ‘wow. This is pretty good’. It’s pretty fun.”
The show really hit its stride in the improvised parts. The pair’s witty banter has clearly been sharpened by years of practice and they’re not afraid to have a laugh alongside the audience, making quick snips about their 2006 to 2017 split and the blurry nature of the show (Comedy? Theatre? Circus?).
When the house lights go on, it becomes clear that it wasn’t so much about the tale itself, but the hilarious journey from cover to cover. It’s a wholesome night of comedy for all – even those who didn’t pass Year 11 English.
To see Lano & Woodley’s Moby Dick at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, head here.
