Frank Woodley - Bemusement Park

The Lano and Woodley duo had the world in stitches during their twenty year reign over Australian comedy and after their split in 2006; fans were left in uncertainty as to what would happen to their beloved kings of comedy. However, as we enter 2012, Colin Lane sits with the girls on The Circle while Frank Woodley continues to destroy crowds with his own brand of physical comedy. Woodley brings his latest show Bemusement Park to the Brisbane Powerhouse for the 2012 Brisbane Comedy Festival and does not disappoint fans with his seemingly archaic comedy style.

Bemusement Park is Woodley’s second solo ‘stand up’ show since the split with Colin Lane and it is becoming increasingly evident that Woodley does not need a side kick on stage to leave an audience in an uproar of laughter. I purposely use the inverted commas around ‘stand up’ because what Woodley seamlessly does on stage is nothing you’ve seen before. He is able to blend together physical, anecdotal and musical comedy into one show that you never want to leave. He brings his own brand of comedy to life on stage, making something as simple as a change of clothes seem like comedy gold.

In this show, the audience first meets Woodley as he is dressed in a ‘Kathy-Freeman’ style running outfit, in which he immediately attempts to change out of. As he squirms, wrestles and swear his way out of the outfit, the audience cannot help but buckle over in laughter at his clumsy persona. He then takes the audience on a journey through his mind, each stop being as hilarious as the last and with a great control of various types of comedy, Woodley is able to keep audiences on their toes, not knowing what to expect next.

Currently working on his self titled television show Woodley on the ABC, receiving raving reviews by critics, 2012 already seems a very promising year for Woodley. His show highlights his mastery over physical comedy; however it is on stage shows like Bemusement Park where Woodley really shines. The show is what fans would recognise as ‘classic’ Woodley comedy and whether you are familiar with this, or you’re asking yourself “What is a Woodley?” this show will provide laughter of all sorts.

This show will sell fast, don’t miss out; sell your grandmother if you have to.


Review: ****

Frank Woodley’s Bemusement Park is at the Brisbane Powerhouse from March 1-4 for the Brisbane Comedy Festival, and is at The Comedy Theatre from March 29- April 22 for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.