The Underlads are presenting their debut Melbourne show, the aptly titled It's All About The Destination, Not The Journey, and with it they are making their attack on the comedy mainstream. As the title suggests, we follow Jason and Mike from their hometown all the way to the MICF. On the way they have to endure a freak plane crash (typical Jetstar), a mysterious island, and a killer possum. But, first they must overcome the biggest hurdle of all; their mutual, deep seated resentment.
The show highlights the ambition of these small town boys, and although the show does rely on the textbook dynamic of the frustrated straight guy, and the intellectually challenged comic, I have to admit that Jason and Mike are very likeable. Where they really push the envelope is through the effective use of interactive multimedia, and they are able to meld a selection of styles to form a very ambitious show. The show hurries along, and thanks to the inventive humour of our protagonists, you don't find yourself clock watching.
This is a real diamond in the rough. As far as debuts go, it is not perfect, not by any means, and there is some material which could be cut, but they have stood up to the acid test. My main concern with this show is that the venue is off the beaten track, and may struggle to pull in the punters. This show is about discovery, and after their first run in Melbourne, I would like to think that we have made a discovery of our own.
