Frank Woodley - Possessed

The Age, Friday 21st March, 2008 - Cameron Woodhead Reviewer

Spirit of Keaton in this ship of ghouls

POSSESSED

By Frank Woodley, Token Events, Comedy Theatre, March 20 until April 13, running time 80 minutes, www.comedyfestival.com.au

Frank Woodley’s Possessed is his first solo stage show since his amicable split with ling-time partner Colin Lane. It’s a wacky ghost story enlivened by mime, slapstick, silly voices and song.

The eccentric Louise lives in a basement where he crafts model ships. Little does he suspect that maritime obsession will lead to spiritual possession. Inhabited by the ghost of Phoebe, a long-dead Irishwoman, Louie must discover the key to breaking her curse. His close encounter with the other side leaves him a changed man.

Woodlyn draws inspiration from comedy legend Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Possessed abounds in acrobatic pratfalls, creative destruction, and general mayhem – not to mention shivering sphincters and magnetic rats.

There are some hilarious cameos: turns as Loui’s roué father and an Italian sea-dog who sounds suspiciously like a mobster. And the whole show is performed with the impish delight and boundless energy that have become the comedian’s trademarks.

But Possessed has a strong narrative. It aspires to be comic theatre with a poignant edge, and powering through it like a comedic Michelin Man misses opportunities. Absent a comic foil, Woodley needs sometimes to curb his enthusiasm. Extend a face plant here, insert a dejected glance there, change gears a bit.

Woodley is a master of child-like frenzy, yet here he needs the clown with a single tear in his eye. It would be more impressive to see him sail like a balloon into the next sketch if he ended a few of them sad and crumpled and soggy with spit.

But that would require only a few minor tweaks. Woodley is one of our most naturally gifted comedians. Assisted by astute director Kate Denborough, Christina Smith’s cute set, and the quirky electronic carnival of Paul Mac’s sounds design, he has created a slick and entertaining evening.


		The Age, Friday 21st March, 2008 - Cameron Woodhead Reviewer Spirit of Keaton in this ship of ghouls POSSESSED By Frank Woodley, Token Events, Comedy Theatre, March 20 until April 13, running time 80 minutes, www.comedyfestival.com.au Frank Woodley’s Possessed is his first solo stage show since his amicable split with ling-time partner Colin Lane. It’s a wacky ghost story enlivened by mime, slapstick, silly voices and song. The eccentric Louise lives in a basement where he crafts model ships. Little does he suspect that maritime obsession will lead to spiritual possession. Inhabited by the ghost of Phoebe, a long-dead Irishwoman, Louie must discover the key to breaking her curse. His close encounter with the other side leaves him a changed man. Woodlyn draws inspiration from comedy legend Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Possessed abounds in acrobatic pratfalls, creative destruction, and general mayhem – not to mention shivering sphincters and magnetic rats. There are some hilarious cameos: turns as Loui’s roué father and an Italian sea-dog who sounds suspiciously like a mobster. And the whole show is performed with the impish delight and boundless energy that have become the comedian’s trademarks. But Possessed has a strong narrative. It aspires to be comic theatre with a poignant edge, and powering through it like a comedic Michelin Man misses opportunities. Absent a comic foil, Woodley needs sometimes to curb his enthusiasm. Extend a face plant here, insert a dejected glance there, change gears a bit. Woodley is a master of child-like frenzy, yet here he needs the clown with a single tear in his eye. It would be more impressive to see him sail like a balloon into the next sketch if he ended a few of them sad and crumpled and soggy with spit. But that would require only a few minor tweaks. Woodley is one of our most naturally gifted comedians. Assisted by astute director Kate Denborough, Christina Smith’s cute set, and the quirky electronic carnival of Paul Mac’s sounds design, he has created a slick and entertaining evening.
	[ Home ][ Tour Dates][ About the show ][ The Crew ][ Reviews ][ Media ][ Videos ]