As part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Frank Woodley presents Possessed, a solo show directed by Kate Denborough.Possessed is about a simple and emotionally youthful man who lives a reclusive though seemingly satisfying life. He passes the time by indulging in uncomplicated maritime style pursuits, such as model ship building, that is, until his lifestyle is rudely up-ended as a result of the sudden possession of his body by a long deceased woman from Galway, via a postal delivery.
With this very impressive show Frank Woodley further enhances his reputation as one of Australia’s leading comic talents. As the frightened and hapless Louie, Woodley displays the performance style for which he is most well known. He is a master of adeptly portraying physical ineptitude. Elegantly clumsy, Louie inhabits an insular world of his own creation, convincing himself he is happy to live the life of a shut-in. Then along comes Phoebe, a bold, young and glamorous dead woman who takes possession of his body, literally and figuratively. They share. It might seem a simple storyline were it not for the fact that Woodley plays both roles, within the one body of course. He seems to have no problem at all maintaining the distinctions between both characters, vocally and physically.
Director Kate Denborough is best known as a magnificent choreographer. In Possessed the divergent techniques of this director and performer are seamlessly blended, a tribute to them both. Music by Paul Mac is variable and evocative, contributing well to the creation of the world of Possessed. The set reminded me of a 1970s TV show, like Get Smart or the Monkeys, really functional but eccentrically so.
Possessed is reminiscent of a whimsical fairytale, with a few dirty bits thrown in. This is a show for kids and adults alike, while bearing in mind the few aforementioned dirty bits (though kids are maturing faster these days). Possessed is a well meant and ultimately up-lifting show with a ‘feel good’ storyline about redemptive love, and a bit of an old fashioned mystery thrown in. Possessed showcases the talents of a remarkable physical comedian. Melbourne audiences really do appear to love Frank Woodley and I like to think that, just maybe, he loves them too.
A Token Event
Possessed
Frank Woodley
Venue: Comedy Theatre | Cnr Exhibition and Lonsdale Sts, Melbourne
Dates: 19th Mar - 13th Apr
Times: Tue-Sat 7.15pm, Sun 5pm
Duration: 80 minutes
Tickets: Full $49.90 Fri & Sat, Conc $44.90 Fri & Sat; Full Wed, Thu, Sun $44.90, Concession Wed, Thu, Sun $39.90
Bookings: Ticketek 132 849 & at the door